Marriott International is charting a bold new course for Africa’s hospitality landscape with plans to add more than 50 properties and 9,000 rooms across the continent by the end of 2027. The move signals a major commitment to tapping into Africa’s fast-evolving tourism and business travel sectors, offering developers and designers a strong pipeline of premium, select-service, and luxury brand opportunities.
Marriott’s expansion includes strategic entries into five new markets – Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania – while reinforcing its presence in key growth regions such as Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and Morocco. Currently operating nearly 150 hotels across 20 African countries, the company is leaning into demand for modern, design-forward spaces and brand differentiation.
Image credit: Marriott International
“We are witnessing a transformation of Africa’s tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector.”
The expansion introduces Marriott’s innovative Aloft Hotels brand to Africa, with Aloft Ghazala Bay opening in Egypt’s North Coast in 2027. Known for its bold design and tech-forward experience, Aloft will appeal to a rising demographic of young travelers seeking affordable style and sociable public spaces.
In West Africa, the company’s entrance into Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mauritania marks a wave of coastal and cultural developments. Highlights include Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort in Cape Verde (2025), an Autograph Collection property in Assinie-Mafia, Côte d’Ivoire (2027), and a Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott, Mauritania (2025).
Further south, Marriott is set to debut in Madagascar with a Delta Hotels by Marriott in 2025 and a Protea Hotel by Marriott in Antananarivo in 2026, alongside a dual-brand opening in Kinshasa, DRC this year.
Image credit: Marriott International
Select-service brands such as Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton continue to be a cornerstone of Marriott’s African growth strategy, appealing to both domestic and international travellers. With more than 30 per cent of new projects expected to be conversions or adaptive reuse, developers have a clear entry point into Marriott’s system without requiring ground-up builds.
Notably, Marriott is seeing increased interest in branded residential projects—an emerging trend in Africa’s luxury property market that hotel designers and developers should watch closely.
“Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today’s rapidly evolving consumer,” added Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
For hotel developers and designers, Marriott’s African expansion offers a unique blend of greenfield and conversion projects across urban, resort, and remote destinations. The variety of brands – from the boutique Autograph Collection to the ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton and the energetic Aloft – means tailored design solutions are not just welcome but necessary.
The focus on adaptive reuse, eco-tourism, and branded residences reflects evolving consumer preferences, and Marriott is signalling its readiness to collaborate with local and international partners ready to innovate.
With the continent’s hospitality sector poised for transformation, Marriott’s roadmap to 2027 is an open invitation to create Africa’s next generation of landmark hotels.
Main image credit: Marriott International
