Hilton Accelerates Sub‑Saharan Africa Growth with Record Deal Signings

• Hilton plans to open more than 100 hotels across Africa in the coming years, with over half located in Sub-Saharan Africa
• New signings mark Hilton's debut in key destinations, including Gabon and re-entry into Chad - as well as Sierra Leone's first internationally branded airport hotel
• Hilton's pipeline of hotels expected to create over 20,000 job opportunities across the continent

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced accelerated growth across Africa, signing a record 29 deals in 2025 across 15 countries. The global hospitality company is set to open more than 100 hotels across the continent, creating over 20,000 job opportunities and bringing Hilton's total Africa footprint to more than 180 hotels trading and in the pipeline. The news coincides with the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa taking place in Nairobi this week.

Driven by strong demand for trusted, high-quality hospitality, Hilton continues to expand its portfolio across both its full service and focused service brands. This includes Hilton's debut in Gabon and re-entry into Chad with the signing of a Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in each country, alongside the continued expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn brand.

Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, "Sub-Saharan Africa remains a strategically important growth region for Hilton, where we continue to see strong long-term potential driven by expanding business hubs, improving connectivity, and increasing investment in tourism infrastructure. As travel demand evolves, we remain on track to open more than 100 hotels across Africa, with over half located in Sub-Saharan Africa - reflecting our ambition to bring more of our brands to established and emerging markets. Harnessing the expertise of our local teams, we look forward to advancing this next chapter of growth alongside our partners, while supporting the development of the region's hospitality sector and delivering exceptional stays for our guests."

Hilton enters Gabon with dual brand signing

Hilton will make its debut in Gabon with the signing of Hilton Libreville and Hilton Garden Inn Libreville, developed in partnership with FB Group and expected to open in 2027.

Hilton Libreville

The hotel will offer 101 contemporary guest rooms and suites, a signature restaurant, lobby café and bar, and all-day dining restaurant with terrace. The hotel will also feature an executive lounge, a co-working hub and extensive meeting facilities including a ballroom and four meeting rooms, alongside a spa, fitness centre and outdoor pool.

Hilton Garden Inn Libreville

Hilton Garden Inn Libreville will offer 116 guest rooms and suites, a lobby shop, bar, fitness center and meeting rooms, designed to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travellers.

Situated on Libreville's main waterfront within the prestigious Baie des Rois development, the hotels will form part of a vibrant mixed-use destination offering panoramic views across the Bay of Kings and convenient access to key government, business and leisure attractions.

Hilton signs new hotels in Sierra Leone and Chad

Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport

Further strengthening Hilton's partnership with FB Group, Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport is expected to open later this year in Sierra Leone's capital. Set to be Sierra Leone's first internationally branded airport hotel, the property will be located next to Lungi Congress Centre and is part of an ongoing airport expansion project which will see the site evolve into a hub for international business and exhibitions.

Featuring 110 contemporary guest rooms, the hotel will offer a lobby café, restaurant, fitness centre, outdoor pool and four meeting rooms. The opening will mark Hilton's debut in Sierra Leone and in Freetown, a port city offering a mix of cultural and heritage attractions.

Hilton N'Djamena Toumai Palace

Opening later this year in partnership with Société Nationale d'Exploitation Hôteliére (SONEXHO), Hilton N'Djamena Toumai Palace will mark Hilton's re-entry into Chad and is set to become a central hub for business and international travellers visiting the capital. Located in the heart of N'Djamena, the hotel will offer convenient access to key administrative and diplomatic institutions across the city and will be just 600 metres from N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ).

The hotel will feature 243 guest rooms and suites and a range of dining venues, including a specialty restaurant, sky bar and lounge, lobby bar and lounge, grab-and-go café, and an all-day dining restaurant. Meeting and event facilities will include a banquet hall and four meeting rooms, complemented by wellness amenities such as a fitness centre, tennis court, and outdoor pool.

Hilton strengthens presence in Zambia and South Africa

Hilton Lusaka Pyramid

Scheduled to open in 2027, Hilton Lusaka Pyramid will feature 211 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining venues including a choice of specialty restaurants, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby café, and pool bar. Guests will enjoy an executive lounge, fitness centre, spa, and outdoor swimming pools for adults and children. The hotel will also house more than 4,000sqm of meeting & event space including a ballroom and 11 meeting and board rooms - making it a great location for MICE, corporate or social events.

Developed in partnership with Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited, a subsidiary of Asmara Holdings based in Dubai, and located in the Sunningdale part of Lusaka, near embassies, ministries and administrative offices, the hotel will provide convenient access to the city's key commercial districts as well as Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Hilton Garden Inn Polokwane

Set to open in 2028, Hilton Garden Inn Polokwane will feature an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar and rooftop bar, outdoor pool and fitness centre, alongside flexible facilities including four rooms for meetings and events.

The hotel will be located within a mixed-use development close to the city's established business district and directly opposite a retail center - providing a modern and comfortable stay for guests visiting the city for both business and leisure. The hotel is being developed in partnership with Net Worth Properties (Pty) Ltd.

Hilton's commitment to South Africa remains strong, with several hotel projects in the pipeline. This latest signing follows the recent signing of The Sterling Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, alongside two additional hotels currently under development.

Continued Sub-Saharan Expansion

Hilton continues to broaden its footprint across key African markets through a series of recently announced brand and market debuts. In West and East Africa, this includes first entries into Benin with the signing of Hilton Cotonou, Togo with the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Lomé Airport, and Tanzania with Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj, alongside Hilton's continued expansion in Nigeria and Ethiopia. Momentum also extends across Central and Southern Africa, with debuts in Angola through three signings, Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport, and DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences, as well as in Madagascar with Hilton Antananarivo and Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo.

Hilton's expansion across the region will be supported by several upcoming openings this year, including Hilton Accra Cantonments, marking Hilton's debut in Ghana, and Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand's first hotel in Kenya. Hilton currently operates 70 hotels in Africa with more than 100 hotels under development across 13 brands trading and in the pipeline, underscoring the scale and momentum of Hilton's growth across the region.

For more information on Hilton's development news, visit stories.hilton.com.