South African hotel group Protea has expanded its coverage on the continent, opening new hotels in Nigeria and Zambia.
In Nigeria, Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta has opened just 15 minutes from Osubi airport, and is close to the region’s energy hub. With 69 rooms, and three large conference rooms, it is well equipped to provide facilities demanded by local businesses for corporate events.
The second opening is the Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka International Airport, situated close to Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda airport. The 72 room hotel runs an inclusive airport shuttle, making the hotel ideal for those flying in or out of the country, on business or leisure trips.
African scale
Over a decade ago, Protea became the largest hotel company across the African continent. Originally based in South Africa, it has a major presence in the country, with 37 hotels across South Africa, including five in Cape Town alone. From there it has built a broader international African presence.
In 2014, the group was acquired by global hotel giant Marriott, in a USD186m deal. Two years later, the group’s affiliation was clarified with the “by Marriott” appellation added to the brand, though the Protea brand has remained a key element of the business as it grows in Africa.
The launches build on a busy year for Protea, which in summer 2024 already opened a 203 room hotel in Hatfield, a suburb of South Africa’s Pretoria. And the company launched its presence in Angola, with the opening of Protea by Marriott Luanda.
Once the new openings are added, Protea now has more than 60 hotels in Africa, across nine countries. As well as Nigeria and Zambia, the brand is represented in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
Among pipeline properties coming to the Protea portfolio are the Protea by Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town, a modest 26 room hotel that is set to launch at the end of 2024, following the completion of refurbishment. Protea Hotel by Marriott Bahir Dar, Ethiopia will launch in 2025 following the rebranding of the existing 127 room Blue Nile Resort, overlooking Laka Tana.
Growing across the continent
Further ahead, Protea Hotel by Marriott Serowe in Botswana, being developed in partnership with Letsatsi Partners. The 155 room property is expected to open in 2026. And in 2027, Protea will add another Nigerian hotel, Protea Hotel by Marriott Abuja Jahi. The hotel will be operated under a franchise agreement with owner Gold Reef Hotel Limited and will be managed by BON Hospitality West Africa.
In addition to the Protea business, Marriott is also building its presence across Africa by directly introducing other brands from its portfolio. Pipeline projects include Moxy, W and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Cairo, a Renaissance and executive apartments in Lagos, and JW Marriott properties in Kinshasa and Tanzania.
