Africa’s hotel development sector recorded strong growth in early 2026, with hotel chain pipelines reaching a record 675 hotels and resorts totaling 123,846 rooms. The increase highlights rising investment and expansion in the continent’s hospitality industry.
According to nairametrics, the study compiled responses from 53 international and regional hotel chains covering 168 brands with signed deals across the continent. Excluding the four new contributors with a combined 6,636 rooms, the pipeline still expanded by 12.2%, outpacing global hotel development growth reported by major international operators.
Covering all 54 African countries, the report is based on legally binding hotel development agreements, including management, franchise, and lease contracts intended to result in future openings. It excludes non-binding memorandums of understanding and classifies projects as either in planning or under construction.
- Rotana-2,282 planned rooms
Rotana ranks tenth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 10 hotels and 2,282 planned rooms spread across 5 African countries.
The brand accounts for 1.8% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline and debuted directly in the top 10 as a new entrant in the 2026 W Hospitality Group survey.
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No change from 2025 data was recorded for Rotana due to its entry into the survey in 2026. The average hotel size stands at 228 rooms across its African development portfolio.
- The Ascott- 2,419 planned rooms
The Ascott ranks ninth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 20 hotels and 2,419 planned rooms spread across 8 countries. The chain accounts for 2.0% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline.
Compared to 2025, The Ascott recorded an increase of 522 planned rooms, representing a 28% year-on-year change.
The planned development portfolio reflects an average hotel size of 121 rooms across its African pipeline.
- CityBlue Hotels – 2,650 planned rooms
CityBlue Hotels ranks eighth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 12 hotels and 2,650 planned rooms spread across 3 African countries. The chain accounts for 2.1% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline.
Compared to 2025, CityBlue Hotels recorded an increase of 1,715 planned rooms, representing a 183% year-on-year change.
The planned developments reflect an average hotel size of 221 rooms across its African portfolio.
- JAZ Hotel Group-2,651 planned rooms
JAZ Hotel Group ranks seventh among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 13 hotels and 2,651 planned rooms spread across 2 African countries.
The chain accounts for 2.1% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline and debuted directly in the top 10 in the W Hospitality Group survey for 2026.
No change from 2025 data was recorded for the brand, as it is a new entrant in the survey. The average hotel size stands at 204 rooms across its African development portfolio
- Kerten Hospitality – 3,185 planned rooms
Kerten Hospitality ranks sixth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 17 hotels and 3,185 planned rooms spread across 3 African countries. The chain accounts for 2.6% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline.
Compared to 2025, Kerten Hospitality recorded an increase of 1,304 planned rooms, representing a 69% year-on-year change.
The total planned room count reflects an average hotel size of 187 rooms across its African development portfolio.
- Radisson Hotel Group-7,220 planned rooms
Radisson Hotel Group ranks fifth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 35 hotels and 7,220 planned rooms spread across 14 African countries.
The chain accounts for 5.8% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline. Compared to 2025, Radisson Hotel Group recorded an increase of 874 planned rooms, representing a 14% year-on-year change.
The total planned room count reflects an average hotel size of 206 rooms across its African pipeline.
- IHG- 9,495 planned rooms
IHG ranks fourth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 48 hotels and 9,495 planned rooms spread across 12 African countries.
The chain accounts for 7.7% of the continent’s total pipeline, maintaining a steady expansion footprint across key African markets.
Compared to 2025, IHG recorded an increase of 1,544 planned rooms, representing a 19% year-on-year growth. With an average hotel size of 198 rooms, the chain’s development strategy continues to emphasize mid-to-large scale properties as it expands its presence across Africa’s hospitality landscape.
- Accor-18,298 planned rooms
Accor ranks third among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 88 hotels and 18,298 planned rooms spread across 18 African countries.
The chain accounts for 14.8% of the continent’s total pipeline, maintaining a strong presence among leading global hospitality operators expanding across Africa.
Compared to 2025, Accor recorded an increase of 3,285 planned rooms, representing a 22% year-on-year growth. With an average hotel size of 208 rooms, the chain’s pipeline reflects a focus on larger-scale developments across key markets, supporting its continued expansion strategy in Africa’s hospitality sector.
- Hilton-19,599 planned rooms
Hilton ranks second among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 109 hotels and 19,599 planned rooms spread across 29 African countries.
The chain accounts for 15.8% of the continent’s total pipeline, reinforcing its position as one of the leading global hospitality groups expanding across Africa.
Compared to 2025, Hilton recorded an increase of 2,559 planned rooms, representing a 15% year-on-year growth. With an average hotel size of 180 rooms, the brand’s expansion strategy continues to focus on large-scale developments across key African markets.
- Marriott International-31,782 planned rooms
Marriott International ranks as the leading hotel chain in Africa’s 2026 development pipeline, with 180 hotels and 31,782 planned rooms spread across 27 African countries.
The company accounts for 25.7% of Africa’s total hotel pipeline, maintaining the largest share among all international and regional hotel brands.
Its planned room count increased by 2,143 rooms compared to 2025, representing a 7% year-on-year growth. With an average hotel size of 177 rooms, Marriott’s expansion strategy continues to emphasize large-scale developments, further solidifying its leadership in Africa’s growing hospitality sector.
