Across Africa, hotel chain development pipelines reached a record 675 hotels and resorts with 123,846 rooms in early 2026, reflecting an 18.6% increase year on year, according to the latest W Hospitality Group Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report.
The study compiled responses from 53 international and regional hotel chains covering 168 brands with signed deals across the continent. Excluding the four new contributors with a combined 6,636 rooms, the pipeline still expanded by 12.2%, outpacing global hotel development growth reported by major international operators.
Covering all 54 African countries, the report is based on legally binding hotel development agreements, including management, franchise, and lease contracts intended to result in future openings. It excludes non-binding memorandums of understanding and classifies projects as either in planning or under construction.
Based on the latest W Hospitality Group report, the following ranking presents the top 10 hotel chains in Africa by planned rooms in 2026.
Rotana ranks tenth among hotel chains in Africa’s 2026 hotel development pipeline, with 10 hotels and 2,282 planned rooms spread across 5 African countries.
The brand accounts for 1.8% of the continent’s total hotel pipeline and debuted directly in the top 10 as a new entrant in the 2026 W Hospitality Group survey.
No change from 2025 data was recorded for Rotana due to its entry into the survey in 2026. The average hotel size stands at 228 rooms across its African development portfolio.
