Africa pipeline hits record high

INTERNATIONAL REPORT — Africa’s pipeline has a record 123,846 rooms across 675 hotels and resorts, according to a report by W Hospitality Group. This represents year-over-year growth of 18.6%.

While the overall pipeline reflects strong continental expansion, the data show that development activity is increasingly concentrated in a small number of dominant markets, with the top 10 countries now accounting for 79% of total pipeline rooms and more than 75% of new signings

Egypt leads with 45,984 rooms across 185 properties — more than one-third of the entire African pipeline and four times the size of No. 2 Morocco, which has 10,606 rooms and 141 properties. Together, Egypt and Morocco account for more than 45% of total pipeline rooms. Egypt alone recorded 39 new deals in 2025, and the report projects 33 openings in 2026.

“The data clearly show that Africa’s hotel development story is being driven by a handful of high-performing markets, with Egypt firmly at the forefront in both signings and projected openings,” said Trevor Ward, managing director of W Hospitality Group

The report’s data also shows that construction momentum is currently strongest in East Africa, with both Ethiopia and Kenya having nearly 80% of their rooms under construction, closely followed by Tanzania at 77.5%.

This compares with significantly lower proportions of projects under construction in markets such as Nigeria and Cape Verde. While North Africa dominates overall volume, East Africa leads in projects actively progressing toward completion and near-term delivery.

“What stands out this year is the strength of East Africa in terms of projects moving forward. Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania show some of the highest construction ratios on the continent, which suggests that this is where we are likely to see new supply coming through in the short to medium term,” Ward said.

The report shows that development activity remains highly concentrated among a small number of global brands, with Marriott International leading the way with 31,782 rooms, followed by Hilton and Accor. Global chains, including IHG and Radisson Hotel Group, account for around 80% of all pipeline hotels and rooms across Africa.

Although more than 65,000 rooms are forecast to open in 2026 and 2027, the report said historical rates suggest delivery may fall short of projections, highlighting the ongoing gap between ambition and execution.