Marriott International, Inc. has unveiled plans to significantly expand its presence in Africa, with expectations to introduce more than 50 new properties and over 9,000 rooms by the close of 2027. This ambitious growth initiative will see Marriott entering five new markets: Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania. With this expansion, Marriott aims to reinforce its footprint on the continent, building on its current portfolio of nearly 150 hotels and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries, under 22 distinct brands.

“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.”

Marriott’s expansion plans are designed to strengthen its luxury, premium, and select-service offerings in both established and emerging African markets. The company’s growth is anticipated to be primarily fueled by its select-service brands, such as Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, as well as a growing demand from consumers for unique, high-quality hospitality experiences. Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria are crucial growth markets for Marriott in Africa, together representing more than fifty percent of the company’s anticipated openings over the next two years. Additionally, the company expects that conversions and adaptive reuse projects will play a significant role in its expansion strategy, contributing to more than 30 percent of its planned additions by 2027. Marriott is also witnessing a rising interest in branded residential developments across the continent.

Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, added, “Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. 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.”

Marriott’s Growth in North and East Africa Fuels Expansion Across the Entire Continent

Marriott is experiencing robust growth across North and East Africa, with these regions expected to contribute more than 60 percent of the company’s planned additions on the continent by the end of 2027. In North Africa, Egypt and Morocco are set to lead the expansion efforts. Marriott aims to launch the Aloft Hotels brand in Egypt, with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay on the North Coast set for 2027. will be conversions or adaptive reuse projects. In Morocco, the company will mark the debut of its AC Hotels by Marriott brand with a scheduled opening in Casablanca in 2027.

In East Africa, Marriott continues to capitalize on the growing demand for adventure and outdoor travel, with a focus on safari lodges and camps.After the successful debut of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, Marriott is set to introduce six more safari properties in the region by 2027. Notable openings include The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp in Kenya, and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection in Tanzania, both scheduled for launch this year.

By 2027, Marriott’s portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double. In Kenya, the company plans to open five new properties, including two Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Nairobi. Additionally, Uganda will welcome its first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in Kampala by the end of this year.

Rising Demand for Premium and Select-Service Hotels in West Africa

Marriott intends to expand its presence in West Africa by opening six properties in Nigeria by 2027, positioning it as the company’s biggest growth market in the region.Among these are the upcoming Courtyard by Marriott openings in Abuja within the next two years, alongside an ongoing expansion of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Hotels.

Marriott is also set to enter three new West African markets within the next two years. The Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort will debut in Cape Verde, introducing the brand to the country. In 2027, Marriott will expand into Côte d’Ivoire with the opening of an Autograph Collection Hotel in Assinie-Mafia, while Mauritania will welcome a Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott. to open later this year.

Steady Growth in Southern and Central Africa

In Southern and Central Africa, Marriott’s growth remains consistent, with South Africa continuing to be its largest market on the continent. The company aims to grow its Autograph Collection Hotels portfolio with the launch of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the opening of a new property in Kruger National Park in 2026.

Marriott is preparing for its entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo by the close of this year, with the opening of a Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa. Meanwhile, Madagascar will see Marriott’s arrival with the launch of Delta Hotels by Marriott this year, followed by a Protea Hotel by Marriott in Antananarivo in 2026. Additionally, Marriott plans to introduce the Le Méridien brand to Cameroon in 2027.

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