CAPE TOWN, South Africa | 17 June 2025 — Global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced plans to nearly triple its presence in Africa, aiming to operate more than 160 hotels across the continent in the coming years. The ambitious expansion will add over 100 new properties and generate approximately 18,000 jobs across 14 African nations. This strategic move coincides with the Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025 and reaffirms Hilton’s long-standing commitment to investing in Africa’s vibrant tourism and business ecosystems.
Currently operating 63 hotels in Africa, Hilton is leveraging its extensive brand portfolio—ranging from Hilton Hotels & Resorts to Curio Collection and DoubleTree by Hilton—to meet the growing demand for high-quality hospitality services throughout the continent.
Broad Regional Expansion: Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, and Beyond
Hilton’s expansion is targeting fast-growing and underserved markets across West, East, North, and Southern Africa. In Ghana, Hilton will make its market debut with the Hilton Accra Cantonments, expected to open later this year. Located in the upscale Cantonments neighborhood, this 145-room property will feature extensive conference space, an outdoor pool, spa, and several dining venues.
Angola marks another milestone as Hilton enters the country with three signed hotels:
- Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho (220 rooms), a beachfront luxury property scheduled for 2027.
- Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport (200 rooms), catering to business travelers near the city’s international airport, set to open in 2028.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences, featuring 290 upscale apartments and oceanfront villas, opening in 2026.
In Nigeria, Hilton is expanding with multiple projects:
- The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, will offer 93 boutique rooms in Nigeria’s capital by 2026.
- Hilton Lagos Ikeja (200 rooms) is scheduled for a 2029 opening, strategically located near Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
- Hilton Garden Inn Kano will be the first internationally branded hotel in Kano, with 100 rooms, opening in 2029.
Madagascar, Benin and Ethiopia See New Hospitality Investments
Hilton is also re-establishing its presence in Madagascar, with two hotels planned in Antananarivo:
- Hilton Antananarivo (170 rooms) will feature a spa, outdoor pool, and multiple dining options.
- Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo (120 rooms) is part of a mixed-use commercial complex, ideal for business and leisure travelers.
In Benin, Hilton will debut in Cotonou with a 233-room luxury property on Boulevard de la Marina. Opening in 2028, Hilton Cotonou will support the government’s vision of positioning the country as a premier destination for international conferences and upscale tourism.
Ethiopia, already home to Hilton’s iconic Addis Ababa property, will welcome DoubleTree by Hilton Adama and DoubleTree by Hilton Dire Dawa, both set to open in 2028. These hotels are expected to play a critical role in stimulating local employment and travel infrastructure development.
Reviving North African and East African Markets
In North Africa, Hilton is significantly expanding in Egypt and Morocco. One highlight is the newly signed DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf, located adjacent to a championship golf course and close to cultural landmarks. Scheduled to open in 2028, it will include 109 rooms and be a valuable addition to Fes’s tourism sector.
In Tanzania, Hilton is re-entering with Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj, a 162-room lifestyle hotel in Fumba Town, expected in 2027. With a strong emphasis on design, culinary innovation, and cultural engagement, the property reflects the Canopy brand’s commitment to delivering authentic local experiences.
Recent Openings and Job Creation
Among Hilton’s most recent property openings are:
- Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof in South Africa, the brand’s debut in the country. Located in the City Bowl, this 154-room hotel blends bold South African art with world-class hospitality.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport, offering a rooftop restaurant and proximity to Ethiopia’s major international gateway.
- Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, the first of its kind in Johannesburg, catering to business and leisure travelers alike.
Hilton is actively hiring for over 600 positions across Africa and anticipates creating 18,000 new jobs as these properties come online. All the new hotels will participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s global guest loyalty program boasting over 218 million members.
A Commitment to Long-Term Growth
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development, Middle East & Africa, stated, “Africa presents immense opportunity. Our goal is to support economic growth, create meaningful employment, and bring Hilton’s signature hospitality to every corner of the continent. Our expansion strategy reflects both the economic potential and the untapped tourism opportunities of Africa.”
Hilton’s 2025 roadmap builds on its 65-year legacy across Africa and positions the company to be a pivotal force in the continent’s future as a global tourism and business powerhouse.
