Africa’s hospitality industry is changing, and fast. Across the continent, hotel chains are expanding at a pace that speaks volumes about the region’s growing economic promise, rising investor confidence and the increasing pull of African destinations on the global tourism map.
According to the 2025 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines report by W Hospitality Group, Africa now has 577 hotels and 104,444 rooms in the pipeline — a 13.3% jump from the previous year. It’s a clear sign that the continent is not just catching up, but carving out its place as a key player in international travel and investment.
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African Countries Leading the Charge
The growth is not uniform across the continent but is led by key nations demonstrating substantial investment and development. Egypt continues to dominate, accounting for 32.5% of the total rooms in the pipeline, with 143 hotels and nearly 34,000 rooms. Egypt’s strategic location, rich history, and government initiatives to boost tourism fuel this expansion. Morocco follows, with 58 hotels and over 8,500 rooms, reflecting ongoing growth in popular cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat.
Nigeria has seen a significant rise, replacing Morocco as the third-largest in terms of hotel agreements, with 48 hotels and over 7,300 rooms. Ethiopia and Tanzania are also making strides, with Ethiopia returning to growth after a dip last year, driven by six new openings totalling over 700 rooms. Tanzania, particularly Zanzibar and national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, has shown impressive percentage growth, signing 18 agreements in the past two years, including several lodges in iconic parks.
This expanding pipeline is a testament to Africa’s evolving tourism ecosystem. The increasing number of hotel projects not only enhances infrastructure but also creates jobs, stimulates local economies, and fosters regional integration. The diversification of hotel offerings—from luxury resorts in Zanzibar to urban hotels in Cairo and Casablanca—broadens Africa’s appeal to diverse traveller segments, including leisure, business, and eco-tourists.
Furthermore, the partnerships spanning 42 African nations highlight a continent increasingly integrated into global hotel brands, which brings international standards, innovation, and marketing expertise. The presence of global chains in countries like Comoros and Somalia signals confidence in Africa’s long-term growth trajectory.
Despite these promising developments, Africa faces significant challenges. Infrastructure deficits, political instability in certain regions, limited access to financing, and regulatory hurdles often impede swift project realisation. Additionally, the uneven distribution of projects can lead to over-reliance on certain hubs, risking saturation.
Multi-stakeholder collaborations are essential to navigate these hurdles. Governments can streamline permitting processes, offer incentives, and invest in infrastructure such as roads, airports, and utilities. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can bridge financing gaps while capacity-building initiatives can enhance local skills in hospitality management and construction.
The strides in hotel chain development across Africa are a clear indicator of the continent’s rising economic and tourism potential. As African countries continue to attract international brands and investors, the continent can position itself as a premier global destination while ensuring that the benefits of growth are inclusive and sustainable.
