Marriott International accelerates African growth with plans for over 50 new hotels by 2027

AFRICA – Marriott International, Inc. has revealed an ambitious plan to broaden its operations across the African continent by introducing more than 50 new hotels and adding upwards of 9,000 guest rooms by the close of 2027.

The brand revealed the plans at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town

This expansion strategy includes entering five fresh markets, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania, further solidifying Marriott’s presence in Africa’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

Currently, Marriott’s African portfolio comprises nearly 150 properties across 20 countries, featuring 26,000 rooms under 22 diverse brands.

The company intends to leverage its extensive brand mix, particularly focusing on select-service and lifestyle offerings such as Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, to cater to a wide range of traveler preferences and market demands.

Jerome Briet, Marriott’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa, emphasized the continent’s growing appeal fueled by government initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and expanding travel experiences.

He noted that Marriott’s global loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, and broad distribution channels are key assets in capturing emerging opportunities across Africa.

Significant growth is expected in established markets like Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria, which will collectively account for more than half of the upcoming hotel openings within the next two years.

Tanzania’s portfolio is projected to more than double by 2027, while Kenya will see the launch of five new properties, including the brand’s first Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Nairobi. Uganda is set to welcome its inaugural Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in Kampala later this year.

West Africa remains a critical focus area, with Nigeria positioned as the largest growth market. Marriott plans six new hotel openings there, including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott in Abuja.

The company is also breaking ground in new West African territories with properties like Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort in Cape Verde, an Autograph Collection hotel in Assinie-Mafia, Côte d’Ivoire, and a Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Marriott is also pursuing adaptive reuse and conversion projects, which are anticipated to make up over 30% of new openings by 2027.

Additionally, the company is responding to rising demand for branded residential developments across Africa, aligning with urbanization trends and evolving lifestyle preferences.

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