Africa’s hotel industry is in the middle of a construction boom over the next two to three years, and the numbers tell a compelling story.
Global chains from Marriott to Hilton are accelerating their push into the continent, betting that rising incomes, stronger air links, and government-backed tourism drives will sustain demand for new rooms between 2025 to 2027 or 2028.
Project data reviewed for 2025 shows that some cities are pulling far ahead. Measured by anticipated hotel rooms signed and under development.
The pace of development reflects both ambition and risk. While projects are announced with fanfare, delays and financing snags are common, meaning not every room in the pipeline will open on schedule. Yet the concentration of deals in certain cities underlines where investors and hotel operators see long-term opportunity.
For Africa’s largest economies, expanding hotel capacity is more than a play for tourist dollars. It’s about building infrastructure for trade, and regional integration.
Here are the ten African cities with the highest number of luxury hotel projects in 2025 according to the W Hospitality Group report 2025.
No of projects: 7
Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital, is emerging as one of the busiest hubs for hotel development in North Africa. The city accounts for nearly a third of the country’s pipeline, with about 60% of those projects expected to open in 2025 and 2026.
Several international brands are using Casablanca to mark their entry into the continent: Accor is introducing its first Mama Shelter in Africa, Marriott International is bringing in its Moxy line, and Eurostars Hotel Group is debuting both its Eurostars and Exe brands.
Five hotels are scheduled to open this year, including properties from Eurostars, Marriott’s Le Méridien, Onomo and The Ascott’s Citadines.
I think Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, Nigeria should be included among the cities with the highest number of hotels rooms.in Africa.