BWH to focus on sub-Saharan Africa in 2026

After a busy year targeting North Africa’s dynamic hospitality sector, BWH Hotels is turning its attentions to sub-Saharan Africa in 2026

Its expansion across Africa will continue this year with four new hotel openings across key regional markets — a move that bodes well for construction firms and other local services providers.

The growth includes two new properties in Nigeria, one in Ethiopia and one in Tanzania, reflecting the group’s commitment to supporting Africa’s tourism and business‑travel sectors.

In Nigeria, the Best Western Premier McDons Skye Hotel and the Best Western Plus Ambience Hotel Ikeja represent the group’s upscale and upper‑midscale offerings, combining international service standards with locally-inspired hospitality.

These openings underscore BWH Hotels’ long‑term investment in Africa and its mission to deliver high‑quality accommodations in fast‑growing destinations, according to Wytze van den Berg, VP international operations, BWH Hotels.

He said the company continues to see rising confidence and sustained investor interest across African markets, driven by increasing regional stability and strong long-term inbound travel projections.

“Investor confidence comes with predictability. While the world is filled with uncertainties, we are seeing growing trust and confidence across many African countries,” said van den Berg.

“The continent’s future projected tourism numbers are promising and reinforce investor appetite across key markets.”

The company highlights Ethiopia, Tanzania, Egypt and Morocco as markets showing particularly strong development momentum, supported by a wave of new pipelines and hotel projects, especially in Northern Africa.

Morocco and Egypt are now the two fastest‑growing development markets in Africa, he added.

“In the past year, we have signed more than 25 new pipeline properties in Morocco, and we are actively working on a dozen additional projects in Egypt,” he said.

“These two markets are rapidly accelerating and represent major growth engines for our brand family across Africa.”

The expansion supports BWH Hotels’ strategy to broaden its portfolio including Best Western Hotels & Resorts and WorldHotels, offering diverse development opportunities for different market segments, from upscale and upper‑midscale properties to soft‑branded luxury.

Read more:

Africa poised for growth despite geopolitical upheaval

Turkey's Summa keen on Africa's construction market

Hilton to triple Africa hotel portfolio