Keypoints
- Marriott to add 50+ new hotels and 9,000+ rooms in Africa by 2027
- Expansion includes Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Madagascar, and Mauritania
- Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria are priority growth markets
MARRIOTT International has unveiled bold expansion plans across Africa, announcing the addition of over 50 new hotels and more than 9,000 rooms by 2027. The move, announced at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town, marks one of the company’s most ambitious continental growth strategies to date.
The hospitality giant will also enter five new African markets—Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania. These additions will grow Marriott’s African footprint to nearly 200 properties across more than 25 countries.
‘We are witnessing a transformation of Africa’s tourism sector,’ said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa. ‘Infrastructure growth, stronger connectivity, and diversified travel experiences are laying the foundation for a booming hospitality industry.’
Luxury and select-service brands at the core
Marriott’s expansion spans luxury, premium, and select-service segments. Select-service brands like Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton will drive growth, especially in emerging cities and resort zones.
Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria are Marriott’s top African growth markets, accounting for more than half of its projected openings through 2027. Over 30 percent of the company’s new African hotels will be conversions or adaptive reuse projects.
‘Africa offers significant opportunities across major gateway cities and safari destinations,’ said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa. ‘Our diverse brand portfolio positions us to deliver high-quality, locally relevant hospitality experiences.’
North and East Africa to lead growth
North and East Africa will account for over 60 percent of the new hotels.
In Egypt, Marriott will debut Aloft Hotels in 2027 with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay on the North Coast. More than half of Egypt’s pipeline will be conversions or adaptive reuse projects. In Morocco, the company will launch AC Hotels by Marriott in Casablanca in 2027.
East Africa’s growth is being shaped by rising interest in safari and adventure travel. After launching the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, Marriott will open six safari lodges by 2027. Upcoming launches include The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya) and Mapito Safari Camp, Autograph Collection (Tanzania), both set to open this year.
Marriott’s Tanzanian portfolio will more than double, and Kenya will see five new hotels, including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott in Nairobi. In Uganda, a Marriott Hotel and Executive Apartments will open in Kampala before year-end.
West Africa maintains strong demand
Nigeria, Marriott’s largest West African market, will add six new hotels by 2027, including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott in Abuja.
Marriott is also entering three new West African markets:
- Cape Verde: Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort (2024)
- Côte d’Ivoire: Autograph Collection Hotel in Assinie-Mafia (2027)
- Mauritania: Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott (2024)
Steady growth in central and southern Africa
In South Africa, the company’s largest African market, the Autograph Collection brand will grow with Morea House opening in Cape Town (2024) and a new hotel in Kruger National Park (2026).
DR Congo will see Marriott’s debut in 2024 with both Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton launching in Kinshasa.
In Madagascar, Marriott will open a Delta Hotels by Marriott this year, followed by a Protea Hotel in Antananarivo in 2026. In Cameroon, Le Méridien is expected to debut in 2027.
Africa’s hospitality future looks bright
Marriott’s aggressive expansion strategy reflects both rising demand for branded accommodations and increased investor confidence in Africa’s travel sector. As governments boost infrastructure and connectivity, and as global travellers seek more unique experiences, the continent is fast becoming a critical frontier for global hospitality.
