Hilton To Grow African Footprint with 160+ Hotels, Creating Thousands Of Jobs

Hilton has announced a significant expansion in Africa, planning to increase its hotel presence to over 160 locations in the foreseeable future, paralleling the Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025. This growth will see the opening of more than 100 hotels across the continent, significantly boosting the local hospitality industry and creating around 18,000 job opportunities.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton's chief development officer for the Middle East & Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, citing Africa's rich potential and diverse opportunities. He highlighted the company's strategy to support the hospitality sector by partnering with local owners, which will not only introduce new destinations but also build on Hilton's long-standing tradition of hospitality in Africa, spanning over six decades.

In a landmark development, Hilton has marked its entry into Angola by signing agreements for three new properties. These include two hotels in the capital, Luanda, under its Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Garden Inn brands, and a DoubleTree by Hilton in Cabinda. Each of these establishments is set to introduce a range of accommodations, from guest rooms and suites to oceanfront villas, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

The Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho, set to open its doors in 2027, will offer 220 guest rooms and suites along a beachfront, providing stunning ocean views, diverse dining options, and extensive event space. Meanwhile, the Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport, expected to launch in 2028, will cater to the needs of business travelers with its 200 guest rooms, dining facilities, and proximity to the Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport.

Furthermore, the DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences, opening in 2026, will introduce 290 contemporary apartments and oceanfront villas, alongside a restaurant and swimming pool, enhancing the hospitality landscape in Angola.

Hilton's expansion continues with the introduction of new markets in Benin and Madagascar. The Hilton Cotonou, in partnership with the Republic of Benin, is scheduled to open in 2028, offering 233 guest rooms and suites, dining options, and meeting spaces, poised to boost Benin's international conference hosting capabilities. In Madagascar, Hilton's re-entry is marked by the signing of Hilton Antananarivo and Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo, set to open in 2028 and 2027, respectively, offering a combined total of 290 guest rooms, dining, and leisure facilities.

In Nigeria, Hilton is enhancing its presence with three new hotels, including The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hilton Lagos Ikeja, and Hilton Garden Inn in Kano. These hotels, set to open between 2026 and 2029, will offer a range of amenities, from stylish guest rooms to dining and wellness facilities, catering to the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Hilton's growth extends to West and East Africa, with the signing of Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport in Ghana and the introduction of DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Ethiopia's cities of Adama and Dire Dawa. These developments, expected to open in 2026 and 2028 respectively, underscore Hilton's commitment to expanding its footprint across the continent.

In North Africa, Hilton plans to triple its portfolio in Egypt and significantly increase its presence in Morocco, introducing new brands and enhancing its luxury offerings. The upcoming DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf in Morocco, set to open in 2028, will offer easy access to cultural attractions and business facilities.

Recent openings include Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof in South Africa and DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport in Ethiopia, showcasing Hilton's continued investment in the African hospitality sector. Hilton Accra Cantonments, expected to launch later this year in Ghana, will further contribute to Hilton's growing portfolio, offering a range of guest amenities and event spaces.

With a current operation of 63 hotels in Africa and over 100 in development, Hilton's expansion plans are set to significantly impact the continent's hospitality industry, all under the Hilton Honors loyalty program, which boasts over 218 million members globally.