In a landmark move for the African hospitality sector, African Hotel Development (AHD) has signed one of the largest hotel management agreements on the continent with Aleph Hospitality. The agreement will see Aleph Hospitality assume operational control of 26 ONOMO-branded hotels across 14 African countries, from West to Southern and East Africa.
This strategic collaboration aligns with AHD’s business repositioning strategy, designed to scale its flagship ONOMO Hotels brand, already recognized for blending contemporary design with local cultural aesthetics. Under the new agreement, Aleph Hospitality—a Dubai-based independent hotel management company—will oversee brand development, day-to-day operations, and guest services at ONOMO properties, setting a course to double the hotel chain’s size by 2025.
Strengthening ONOMO’s Lifestyle Hospitality Brand
The ONOMO brand has steadily grown into one of Africa’s most promising midscale hotel names. Known for its stylish architecture, affordability, and eco-conscious ethos, ONOMO Hotels deliver experiences tailored to both business and leisure travelers seeking authentic African hospitality.
ONOMO’s expansion under Aleph Hospitality’s management is expected to further elevate the brand, particularly through consistent service standards, integration of smart hotel technologies, and localization efforts that enhance guest connection to destination culture. Aleph will apply its expertise in regional hotel operations to ensure excellence across all facets of the guest journey.
Strategic Locations Across Africa’s Key Travel Hubs
The newly managed hotels will span 14 African countries, strategically positioned in major economic and tourism centers such as Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and Cape Town (South Africa). These urban hubs have experienced a surge in air connectivity, infrastructure investment, and inbound business travel, positioning them as ideal locations for ONOMO’s lifestyle-driven hospitality offering.
As African cities become increasingly interconnected through major transport and investment corridors, demand for affordable upscale accommodation continues to rise. ONOMO Hotels’ expansion responds directly to this market shift, offering modern rooms, tech-savvy services, and culturally curated experiences at competitive rates.
Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Sustainable Travel
The economic impact of this expansion will be felt well beyond the hotel walls. Thousands of new jobs will be created throughout the 14 host countries, ranging from hospitality roles to managerial positions and facility support staff. Moreover, the growth of ONOMO will stimulate local economies by driving demand for local suppliers, small businesses, transportation services, and tour operators.
ONOMO Hotels also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, aligning with Africa’s growing commitment to green tourism. Initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, water conservation technologies, responsible waste management systems, and locally sourced materials and food products. These practices are not only good for the planet but increasingly sought by environmentally conscious travelers.
Aleph Hospitality’s Growing Footprint in Africa
For Aleph Hospitality, this agreement represents a pivotal moment. The company, which already manages a diversified portfolio across the Middle East and Africa, is now poised to meet its ambitious target of operating 50 hotels by 2025. Aleph’s asset-light approach, grounded in flexible third-party hotel management, enables owners to retain brand identity while optimizing operational efficiencies.
Aleph’s CEO, Bani Haddad, has previously emphasized the company’s commitment to Africa, stating that the continent holds unparalleled growth opportunities in hospitality. With a hands-on approach and decentralized management model, Aleph is uniquely positioned to cater to local nuances while delivering global service standards.
Capitalizing on Africa’s Tourism Boom
Africa’s tourism landscape is evolving rapidly. According to the African Development Bank and UNWTO, the continent saw over 70 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, with numbers projected to rise as air travel rebounds and investment in infrastructure accelerates. Nations such as Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire have launched tourism promotion campaigns, while visa-on-arrival and e-visa policies make regional travel more accessible.
ONOMO Hotels are positioned to serve this influx by offering accessible, reliable, and locally flavored accommodation across Africa’s most visited cities. Whether catering to a corporate traveler attending a conference in Nairobi or a leisure tourist exploring the coastline of Cape Town, ONOMO aims to offer a seamless, culturally immersive stay.
Looking Ahead: ONOMO’s Continental Vision
The five-year roadmap to double ONOMO’s footprint will place the brand in a dominant position within Africa’s midscale hospitality segment. As urbanization increases and regional integration deepens through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), hotel brands with continental reach and localized service models are likely to thrive.
ONOMO Hotels’ repositioning strategy—supported by Aleph Hospitality’s proven regional expertise—demonstrates a future-focused approach to African tourism. By combining local employment, sustainable development, and authentic hospitality, the brand is positioned not only to capture market share but also to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s long-term tourism development.
Conclusion
This transformative partnership between African Hotel Development and Aleph Hospitality is more than just a hotel management deal—it is a statement of confidence in Africa’s tourism future. With 26 new hotels operational across 14 nations and a clear path to scale, ONOMO is poised to become one of Africa’s most influential hospitality brands by 2025. Backed by Aleph’s strategic management, the expansion will boost job creation, promote sustainability, and redefine African travel experiences for years to come.
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