Nigeria Surges to Second in Africa’s 2024 Hotel Development Rankings

Nigeria has made significant strides in the hospitality sector, climbing to the second position in Africa’s 2024 Hotel Development Rankings. This impressive achievement is underscored by a robust pipeline of 50 hotels, boasting a combined 7,622 rooms.

This surge in hotel development is fueled by the entry of major international players, including Hilton, Radisson, Marriott International, and Leva Hotels. Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, is at the forefront of this growth trajectory, witnessing a surge in new hotel projects with five new deals signed this year.

According to Nairametrics, Egypt continues to dominate Africa’s hotel market with 26,241 rooms, followed by Morocco with 7,169 rooms. Other top countries include Ethiopia (5,128 rooms), Cape Verde (5,056 rooms), and Tunisia (4,121 rooms). The remaining spots in the top 10 are occupied by Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana, showcasing the diversity of the continent’s hospitality growth.

The 2024 Africa Hotel Chain Development Pipelines Report highlights a significant 8% increase in the total number of hotels and a 9% rise in available rooms across Sub-Saharan Africa. This marks an impressive rebound and sustained growth trajectory in the region’s hospitality sector.
Nigeria’s Surge in Hospitality Investments

Nigeria has emerged as a key player, moving into second place in 2024 with nine new hotel deals signed in 2023. Hilton and Radisson lead the pack with three deals each, followed by Marriott International and Leva Hotels. Lagos remains the focal point, hosting five of these deals, reaffirming its status as a prime destination for global hotel chains.

Additionally, Protea Hotels by Marriott expanded into Nigeria, opening a property in Ekpan Warri’s business district, Delta State. The hotel features 69 guest rooms, conference facilities, and recreational spaces. This move is part of a broader expansion strategy that also saw new developments in Zambia, bringing Protea’s footprint to over 60 properties in nine African countries.
Tourism’s Economic Impact

Nigeria’s tourism industry is on track for significant growth, with Statista projecting an annual rate of 11.23% and a market size potentially reaching $5.6 billion. Projects like the 200-room Marriott Hotel in Imo State and Cross River’s entertainment center on Tortugal Island further solidify this momentum.

With a blend of private investment and government initiatives, the sector is poised to enhance regional tourism, create jobs, and drive economic growth, underscoring Africa’s growing appeal in global hospitality.
Final Thoughts

Africa’s hotel industry, led by nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, is shaping the future of global hospitality. The steady influx of investments and infrastructure developments highlights the continent’s potential as a tourism and hospitality powerhouse.