The development pipeline is expected to create over 20,000 job opportunities and increase Hilton’s total footprint in Africa to more than 180 hotels trading and in development. The announcement coincides with the Future Hospitality Summit Africa taking place in Nairobi.
Growth is being driven by demand for branded hospitality, with expansion across both full service and focused service segments. This includes Hilton’s debut in Gabon and re-entry into Chad, alongside continued development of the Hilton Garden Inn brand.
Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa at Hilton, said: “Sub-Saharan Africa remains a strategically important growth region for Hilton, where we continue to see strong long-term potential driven by expanding business hubs, improving connectivity, and increasing investment in tourism infrastructure. As travel demand evolves, we remain on track to open more than 100 hotels across Africa, with over half located in Sub-Saharan Africa – reflecting our ambition to bring more of our brands to established and emerging markets. Harnessing the expertise of our local teams, we look forward to advancing this next chapter of growth alongside our partners, while supporting the development of the region’s hospitality sector and delivering exceptional stays for our guests.”
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| Hilton Garden Inn Libreville, rendering. |
Hilton will enter Gabon with the signing of Hilton Libreville and Hilton Garden Inn Libreville, developed in partnership with FB Group and expected to open in 2027. Located on Libreville’s waterfront within the Baie des Rois development, the properties will include 101 and 116 guest rooms respectively, alongside dining outlets, meeting facilities and wellness amenities.
In Sierra Leone, Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport is scheduled to open later this year, marking the company’s debut in the country. The hotel will feature 110 guest rooms and will be located next to the Lungi Congress Centre as part of a broader airport expansion project.
Hilton will also re-enter Chad with the opening of Hilton N’Djamena Toumai Palace, developed in partnership with Société Nationale d’Exploitation Hôteliére (SONEXHO). The 243-room property will be located near key administrative and diplomatic institutions and close to N’Djamena International Airport.
In Zambia, Hilton Lusaka Pyramid is scheduled to open in 2027, offering 211 guest rooms, extensive meeting and event facilities, and a range of dining and leisure amenities. The project is being developed with Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited, a subsidiary of Asmara Holdings.
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| Hilton N’Djamena Toumai Palace. |
In South Africa, Hilton Garden Inn Polokwane is expected to open in 2028 within a mixed-use development near the city’s business district. The property is being developed in partnership with Net Worth Properties (Pty) Ltd and will include dining outlets, meeting facilities and leisure amenities.
Hilton continues to expand across additional markets, including entries into Benin with Hilton Cotonou, Togo with DoubleTree by Hilton Lomé Airport and Tanzania with Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj, alongside further growth in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola and Madagascar.
Upcoming openings in 2026 include Hilton Accra Cantonments, marking the brand’s debut in Ghana, and Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, representing the brand’s first property in Kenya.
Hilton currently operates 70 hotels in Africa and has more than 100 hotels in the pipeline across 13 brands, reflecting continued growth and investment across the region.
Tags: Africa Carlos Khneisser, Hilton