Published March 12, 2026
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Africa is expected to have a record hotel development pipeline in 2026, as W Hospitality Group’s latest Africa Hotel Chain Development Pipeline report reports. The total number of rooms under development will reach 123,846 rooms across 675 hotels and resorts. This figure is an impressive 18.6% increase over last year and reflects positive trends in Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The increase in hotel development is a result of the growing demand for tourism infrastructure in Africa. As more and more tourists visit Africa’s exciting destinations, hotels are catering to the demand. As more tourists visit Africa, more hotels are expanding their footprint in different cities across Africa.
Egypt and Morocco lead Africa’s hotel development pipeline
Egypt plays the most important role in Africa’s hotel development, with 45,984 rooms across 185 properties, accounting for more than a third of the continent’s total hotel pipeline. Egypt’s dominance reflects its status as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, driven by its rich historical sites, cultural heritage, and growing luxury tourism sector.
Morocco follows in second place with 10,606 rooms under development. The country’s appeal lies in its diverse tourist offerings, including historic cities such as Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca, as well as coastal resorts and mountain resorts. The growing demand for tourism in these countries, spurred by an increase in international tourists, is directly impacting the hotel development boom.
Egypt and Morocco together account for more than 45% of all hotel rooms under development in Africa. This reflects that the two North African countries are at the heart of the continent’s hospitality growth and are also stimulating tourism growth through infrastructure improvements.
East Africa emerges as the continent’s most active region for construction
Although North Africa leads in terms of the number of hotel rooms under development, East Africa is rapidly emerging as the continent’s most active region for hotel and resort construction. Ethiopia and Kenya report that nearly 80% of their pipeline rooms are currently under construction, followed closely by Tanzania at 77.5%. This marks a surge in hotel development projects aimed at meeting the growing demand for tourism in the region.
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Tourism growth in East Africa is driven by countries such as Kenya, with its world-class safari destinations and vibrant coastal resorts, and Tanzania, famous for its Serengeti National Park and Zanzibar. As the region becomes more popular with both leisure and business travelers, demand for modern hotel infrastructure is expected to continue to grow, further boosting the region’s tourism economy.
Gastronomy, adventure and heritage tourism drive demand
The growth of hotel development across Africa is intricately linked to the continent’s expanding tourism industry. The increase in the number of hotels is being driven by an increase in international tourism in regions such as East Africa, North Africa and West Africa. In particular, the growth of gastronomic, adventure and heritage tourism is a key catalyst for increased hotel demand in destinations such as Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria.
With greater emphasis on cultural heritage and sustainable travel, tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences beyond traditional city holidays. This trend is driving the need for hotels to offer local authenticity through culinary experiences, eco-friendly accommodations, cultural tourism packages, and more. As these demand trends increase, Africa’s hotel infrastructure is adapting to meet the new needs of tourists, directly contributing to tourism growth and economic development.
International hotel chain boosts investment in Africa’s tourism sector
International hotel chains continue to be the driving force behind much of Africa’s development. Major companies such as Marriott International, Hilton, Accor, IHG and Radisson Hotel Group are responsible for approximately 80% of the continent’s pipeline hotels and rooms. Recognizing the region’s growing importance as a tourist destination, these global brands are expanding their footprint into Africa’s major cities and tourism hubs.
These brands are also important in promoting business tourism by providing international standard accommodation that attracts corporate travelers to African business hubs such as Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi. Global hotel chains are increasing investment in the continent, while also boosting the tourism industry and offering travelers more choice in terms of quality and price.
Challenges and future outlook for achieving predictions
Africa’s hotel pipeline continues to grow, but challenges remain. Trevor Ward, managing director of W Hospitality Group, points out that looking at historical realization rates, the forecast of 65,000 rooms to open in 2026 and 2027 could fall short of expectations due to construction delays, regulatory hurdles and financing challenges.
However, these challenges do not detract from the overall picture. As Africa’s tourism industry continues to grow, so will the demand for quality accommodation. Overcoming these challenges is essential to sustaining the momentum in hotel development, which in turn will foster further growth in tourism across the continent.
Looking to the future: A bright future for African hospitality and tourism
The hotel development pipeline in Africa reflects Africa’s growing importance as a global tourism hub. The future of Africa’s tourism industry looks very promising, with North Africa leading in terms of volume and East Africa becoming an emerging hotspot for hotel development. Hotel development infrastructure developed by local and international investors will continue to meet the demands of both tourists and businessmen. Africa continues to strengthen its position as a major hub for both leisure and business tourism, which will contribute significantly to the continent’s economic development.
