Hilton Announces 40 New Properties Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Hilton has announced plans to open 40 new properties across Sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years in its most ambitious African expansion to date, targeting markets in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa.

The expansion covers five of Hilton's brands, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, Curio Collection, Hampton Inn, and a small number of Waldorf Astoria properties in gateway cities, reflecting an intent to capture demand at multiple price points across the continent's fastest-growing markets.

Africa's hospitality market has been identified by all major international hotel groups as a significant growth opportunity, driven by expanding middle-class populations, rapid urbanisation, growing intra-African business travel, and an emerging outbound tourism sector from Europe and North America targeting adventure and wildlife destinations.

Hilton's Africa pipeline, which currently stands at 23 properties under construction or in advanced development, will grow to over 60 open or pipeline properties on the continent by 2030 if the announced programme is executed on schedule.

The company has signalled its intention to pursue a franchise-heavy model in Africa, partnering with local investors and developers who bring market knowledge and regulatory relationships that international operators alone cannot replicate. This approach has proven successful in other high-growth markets, including India and Southeast Asia.

"Africa is one of the most exciting hospitality frontiers in the world," said Hilton Africa President Chris Silcock. "The demand is real, the infrastructure investment is accelerating, and our brands are well positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers across the full quality spectrum."

The announcement comes weeks after IHG revealed a comparable expansion of its African portfolio, signalling that the continent's moment as a hotel investment destination has definitively arrived.