At the Future Hospitality Summit Africa held in Cape Town, Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) unveiled bold plans to significantly expand its footprint across Africa, with the anticipated addition of more than 50 new properties and over 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027.
The global hospitality giant aims to enter five new African markets, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania, while strengthening its presence in key growth regions such as Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
“We are witnessing a transformation of Africa’s tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, infrastructure growth, and increasing demand for distinctive travel experiences,” said Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, Jerome Briet.
“With our diverse portfolio and award-winning Marriott Bonvoy program, we are well-positioned to support and accelerate this momentum.”
Marriott’s growth strategy in Africa is heavily weighted toward its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, which are in high demand across both emerging and established markets.
Luxury offerings will also expand with the addition of safari lodges in Kenya and Tanzania, including the anticipated openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti under the Autograph Collection banner.
Notably, North and East Africa are leading the company’s growth efforts, accounting for more than 60% of planned additions. In Egypt, the first Aloft Hotel in Africa is expected to debut in Ghazala Bay in 2027. Morocco will see the launch of AC Hotels by Marriott in Casablanca the same year.
In West Africa, Marriott is entering Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mauritania. Nigeria remains the region’s largest growth market, with six new properties planned, including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott in Abuja.
Southern and Central Africa will also benefit from this strategic expansion. South Africa will add to its Autograph Collection Hotels, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar will welcome Marriott brands for the first time.
“Across gateway cities, commercial hubs, safari destinations, and beach resorts, Africa offers immense potential for high-quality, branded hospitality experiences,” said Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Karim Cheltout.
Marriott’s African portfolio currently spans nearly 150 properties with over 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands.
The new development plans highlight both conversions and adaptive reuse projects, which are expected to account for over 30 per cent of the upcoming openings.
The company’s expansion strategy reflects growing investor confidence in Africa’s hospitality sector and reinforces Marriott’s commitment to driving tourism and economic growth across the continent.
