By: Precious Miracle Kargbo- Snr
Hilton has announced accelerated expansion across Africa, recording a milestone 29 hotel deals signed in 2025 across 15 countries. The global hospitality company plans to open more than 100 hotels on the continent, a move expected to create over 20,000 jobs.
In Sierra Leone, Hilton has partnered with FB Group to develop the Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport. The project marks the country’s first internationally branded airport hotel and is expected to open later this year.
The announcement, published on 31 March 2026, forms part of Hilton’s broader strategy to open more than 100 hotels across Africa in the coming years, with over half of these developments located in Sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the key highlights is the planned Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport, which will become the first internationally branded airport hotel in Sierra Leone. Developed in partnership with FB Group, the 110-room hotel will be situated next to the Lungi Congress Centre. It is expected to play a key role in ongoing airport expansion efforts aimed at positioning the area as a hub for international business and exhibitions.
The hotel will feature a lobby café, a full-service restaurant, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and four meeting rooms, catering to both business and leisure travellers visiting Freetown and surrounding cultural attractions.
Hilton has also confirmed its return to Chad with the signing of Hilton N’Djamena Toumai Palace, in partnership with Société Nationale d’Exploitation Hôtelière (SONEXHO). Located in central N’Djamena, approximately 600 metres from N’Djamena International Airport, the hotel will offer 243 rooms and suites, multiple dining options, a banquet hall, four meeting rooms, and leisure facilities including a fitness centre, tennis court and outdoor pool. It is expected to serve as a key hub for business and international travellers.
In Southern Africa, Hilton continues to expand with the development of Hilton Lusaka Pyramid in partnership with Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited. Scheduled to open in 2027, the hotel will feature 211 guest rooms, executive lounges, a spa and over 4,000 square metres of meeting and event space, including a ballroom and 11 meeting rooms.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the planned Hilton Garden Inn Polokwane will form part of a mixed-use development. Expected to open in 2028, it will include a rooftop bar, outdoor pool and flexible meeting facilities.
Hilton stated that these projects are part of a record 29 deals signed across 15 African countries in 2025. The company’s pipeline now includes more than 180 hotels either operating or under development across the continent. It estimates that these developments could create over 20,000 jobs, contributing to local employment, tourism growth and increased trade.
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Chief Development Officer for the Middle East and Africa, said the expansion reflects strong demand for high-quality, reliable hospitality services and the rise of new business destinations across the region. He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with regional developers and government stakeholders in unlocking growth opportunities.
Industry analysts have welcomed the expansion, noting that internationally branded hotels can stimulate infrastructure development and improve service standards. However, they also pointed to challenges such as the need for skilled labour and complex regulatory environments.
Despite these challenges, Hilton’s latest investments signal growing confidence in Africa’s long-term tourism and business potential.
For media enquiries, Hilton listed Nour Chaoui as the contact, adding that further details on project timelines and opening dates will be shared as development progresses.
