Hilton Hotels Embark on a Landmark Expansion Across Cape Town, Luanda, Cotonou, Antananarivo, Abuja, Lagos, Accra, Addis Ababa, Zanzibar, Fes and Beyond in a Bold Move to Establish More Than One Hundred Sixty Luxury and Lifestyle Destinations Across Africa – Travel And Tour World

CAPE TOWN

In a bold step toward strengthening its presence across Africa, Hilton has revealed plans to open more than 100 new hotels throughout the continent. This move is set to nearly triple its existing footprint, which currently stands at 63 operating hotels, and will significantly enhance the region’s hospitality infrastructure. Alongside this expansion, the company is projected to generate around 18,000 jobs, creating a substantial boost in employment for local communities.

A Vision to Transform African Hospitality

Hilton’s strategy is centered on the goal of growing its portfolio to over 160 properties in Africa within the next few years. This expansion is designed to align with the continent’s rising demand for travel and accommodation, particularly as business hubs, tourist destinations, and cultural landmarks continue to flourish.

The hiring of 600 new employees is already underway, underscoring Hilton’s dedication to not only growing its brand but also investing in local talent and economies.

Stepping into New Markets

Angola

Hilton will be entering Angola for the first time with three significant projects:

• A flagship beachfront hotel in Luanda, expected by 2027, will house 220 rooms, several dining venues, and over 1,000 square metres of space for events.
• A Hilton Garden Inn close to Luanda Airport, set for 2028, will feature 200 rooms, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness centre, and modern business facilities.
• In Cabinda, the DoubleTree by Hilton Futila Residences will introduce 290 serviced apartments, including 10 oceanfront villas, and offer a restaurant, pool, and scenic natural lake. The launch is scheduled for 2026.

Benin

By 2028, Hilton will debut in Cotonou with a prime property along the Boulevard de la Marina, neighboring key diplomatic and governmental buildings. With 233 rooms, this hotel will serve as a venue for both business and leisure, including restaurants, bars, spa, pool, and ample meeting facilities to support international conferences.

Madagascar

Returning to Madagascar, Hilton plans two new hotels in Antananarivo:

• A 170-room Hilton will feature luxury dining, a spa, fitness center, and event spaces, opening in 2028.
• A Hilton Garden Inn, opening in 2027, will offer 120 rooms and be part of a mixed-use development that includes retail and office space.

Nigeria

Hilton’s Nigerian expansion continues with:

• The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi under the Curio Collection, offering 93 rooms, high-end dining, and a wellness center, scheduled to open in 2026.
• Hilton Lagos Ikeja, with 200 rooms, diverse dining venues, a grand ballroom, and fitness facilities, planned for 2029.
• The first international hotel in Kano, a Hilton Garden Inn with 100 rooms, meeting areas, and a pool, also expected in 2029.

Ghana

Two major projects in Ghana reflect Hilton’s growing confidence in West Africa:

• The Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport, opening in 2026, will offer 170 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, and 24/7 snack shop near Kotoka International Airport.
• The Hilton Accra Cantonments, expected later this year, will feature 145 rooms, a gym, spa, pool, and over 900 m² of meeting and event space, situated in an upscale embassy neighborhood.

Expansion in East and North Africa

Ethiopia

In Adama and Dire Dawa, Hilton will establish the first internationally branded hotels by 2028, both under the DoubleTree name. These properties will offer modern amenities, further solidifying Hilton’s presence in Ethiopia.

Tanzania

Hilton is set to return to Zanzibar with the Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj, part of Fumba Town’s lifestyle development. This hotel, with 162 rooms, is due in 2027 and will be designed for travelers seeking immersive, authentic local experiences.

North Africa

In Fes, Morocco, the upcoming DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf, opening in 2028, will bring 109 guest rooms next to a golf course and cultural attractions. The project complements plans to triple Hilton’s footprint in Egypt and double it in Morocco, with a strong emphasis on luxury offerings and new brand entries.

Recent Openings Setting the Pace

Recent openings show Hilton’s expansion is already in motion:

• Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof marked the brand’s lifestyle debut in South Africa, featuring 154 rooms inspired by South African design and culture.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport now serves travelers in Ethiopia with a rooftop restaurant, airport shuttle, and proximity to major event venues.
• The first Hampton by Hilton in Africa opened in Johannesburg’s Sandton Grayston area, placing the brand in one of the city’s premier business and shopping districts.

What This Means for Travelers and the Industry

This expansive growth is not only about new hotels—it represents a significant shift in Africa’s travel landscape. For travelers, the benefits are immediate and clear:

• Greater access to international-standard hotels near airports, urban centers, and tourist sites.
• Wider accommodation options, from mid-range to high-end, for business and leisure needs.
• Enhanced ability to host international events, thanks to added meeting and conference facilities.
• A deeper dive into local cultures through curated guest experiences and authentic cuisine.

For the broader hospitality industry, the move is set to:

• Boost regional economies through job creation and infrastructure investment.
• Encourage inter-African travel by increasing hotel availability in key travel corridors.
• Elevate service standards, prompting local operators to match international expectations.
• Attract global investors keen on tapping into Africa’s growing travel market.
• Strengthen the continent’s ability to withstand global disruptions by diversifying its tourism offerings.

Hilton’s Africa expansion is not just a business decision—it’s a transformative movement that blends opportunity with cultural depth, and progress with community growth. With every new opening, the landscape of African travel and hospitality becomes more vibrant, connected, and inviting.