African hotel pipeline grows 18.6% YoY to record 123,846 rooms

Africa’s hotel development pipeline has reached a record 123,846 rooms across 675 hotels and resorts, spelling year-on-year growth of 18.6% as the top 10 destinations account for 79% of total pipeline rooms, according to a report by W Hospitality Group. 

Egypt leads the continent with 45,984 rooms across 185 properties, representing more than one third of the total pipeline. Morocco follows with 10,606 rooms, while Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia round out the top five markets for planned hospitality expansion.

Development activity remains concentrated among a small number of global brands. Marriott International leads the sector with 31,782 rooms, followed by Hilton and Accor. Five global chains account for approximately 80% of all pipeline hotels and rooms.

While North Africa leads in absolute volume, East Africa has the strongest execution momentum. Ethiopia and Kenya have nearly 80% of their rooms under construction. Tanzania follows closely with 77.5% of its pipeline projects currently on site.

Nigeria and Cape Verde show significantly lower proportions of projects under construction. Although 65,000 rooms are forecast to open by 2027, historical data suggests actual delivery often falls short of initial developer projections.

Trevor Ward, managing partner of W Hospitality Group and chairman of Hotel Partners Africa, said: “The data clearly show that Africa’s hotel development story is being driven by a handful of high-performing markets, with Egypt firmly at the forefront in both signings and projected openings.

“What stands out this year is the strength of East Africa in terms of projects moving forward. Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania show some of the highest construction ratios on the continent, which suggests that this is where we are likely to see new supply coming through in the short to medium term.”