Marriott International to Expand African Portfolio with Over 50 New Properties by 2027

Marriott International plans to add more than 50 properties and over 9,000 rooms across Africa by 2027, entering five new markets.

Marriott International has announced a significant expansion plan for its African operations, aiming to open over 50 new properties and add more than 9,000 rooms to its portfolio by the end of 2027. This expansion includes Marriott’s entry into Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania.

The expansion strategy is set to enhance Marriott’s presence across the continent, where it currently operates nearly 150 properties with approximately 26,000 rooms in 20 countries, spanning 22 brands. The growth will focus on key and emerging African destinations to strengthen the company’s luxury, premium, and select-service offerings.

Marriott’s growth in Africa is expected to be driven primarily by its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton. The company has identified Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria as the highest growth markets, which are projected to account for more than half of the new projects set to open in the next two years.

The company also anticipates that conversions and adaptive reuse projects will play a significant role in its growth strategy, expected to account for more than 30% of its new additions in Africa by 2027. Additionally, there is an increasing interest in branded residential projects across the continent.

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Egypt and Morocco are poised to lead Marriott’s expansion efforts in North Africa. Notably, the company plans to introduce the Aloft Hotels brand to the continent with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay in Egypt’s North Coast, scheduled for 2027. In Morocco, the market debut of AC Hotels by Marriott is planned with an opening in Casablanca in 2027.

East Africa continues to grow, particularly in safari lodges and camps, catering to the rising demand for adventure and outdoor travel experiences. Marriott plans to open six regional safari properties by 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp in Kenya, and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection in Tanzania.

In West Africa, Marriott expects to add six properties in Nigeria by 2027, introducing the Courtyard by Marriott brand to the country with planned openings in Abuja. The company is also set to make its debut in Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mauritania within the next two years.

The expansion in Southern and Central Africa includes introducing new brands and properties. South Africa will see the expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand. At the same time, Marriott plans to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar with new hotel openings scheduled for this year. Additionally, Marriott is set to debut Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.