According to the 2025 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa Report, hotel developments in West Africa now make up 45% of all hospitality projects on the continent. With Nigeria slated to host the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027 – expected to attract 30,000 delegates – the real test isn’t just about how many rooms are available, but whether the country’s hospitality sector can operate at the scale, consistency and quality such an international event demands.

Industry observers point to a structural shift in the region’s hospitality landscape: the emergence of locally-driven, operationally agile hotel brands that understand the unique dynamics of the West African market.

Paul Umoh, Managing Director of BON Hotels West Africa, attributes the sector’s resilience to a rising class of local entrepreneurs and intra-regional business travellers – a segment often overlooked by traditional international brands. “Global operators too often parachute in a one-size-fits-all model,” says Umoh. “We grow from the ground up – with African ownership, operations and guests in mind.”

Now operating across key West African markets, BON’s increasingly diversified portfolio is becoming a case study in how mid-tier, locally-led hospitality can drive returns in regions many global players continue to misread. The company plans to open seven new hotels across Nigeria and Ghana by 2026, including Marriott partnerships, highlighting a shift from foreign-led to regionally-driven expansion.

Rethinking the Regional Approach

While capital cities like Accra and Abuja remain key markets, it’s the emergence of secondary cities that is reshaping the regional hotel map. Places like Kumasi (Ghana), Enugu (Nigeria), and Lomé (Togo) are becoming focal points for infrastructure growth, private investment and travelling professionals – from NGOs to energy contractors.

To meet this demand, BON Hotels has launched its “circuit strategy”: a connected portfolio of dependable hotels across growth hubs. This makes it easier for business travellers to move smoothly between cities and countries. “Being the only credible hotel in a city like Warri or Kano makes you indispensable,” says Umoh. “You become the go-to venue for corporate meetings, government delegations and international agencies.”

This strategy is already paying off. In Ghana, BON is developing a mix of urban hotels, game lodges and resort properties such as BON Hotel Crown Forest, giving it one of the most diversified footprints in the mid-tier category.

Operational Agility Meets Local Ownership

Yet growth in West Africa isn’t just about geography – it’s about understanding capital psychology. When BON introduced a new loyalty programme offering a 50% guest discount, it was met with sharp resistance from hotel owners concerned about profitability.

BON responded quickly, rolling out a rebalanced model tailored to provide value while protecting investor margins. The move underscores a key point: operational success in West Africa demands agility and transparency.

“In this region, most hotel owners use their own funds – not institutional backing,” Umoh explains. “That kind of personal capital comes with emotion and the need for fast results. You must be agile, consultative and crystal-clear in how you operate.”

This ability to pivot, he notes, is what sets regional operators like BON apart from slow-moving multinationals.

Hospitality with an African Heart

At the core of BON’s approach is not just business travel, but cultural connection. Nearly 80% of BON guests are local or regional, and the group has built its model accordingly: 90% of its general managers are local hires, developed through partnerships with training institutions like The Dewdrop Institute in Enugu, Nigeria – a hospitality-focused NGO and social enterprise.

This local-first mindset carries through to menus, design and guest interaction. In each property, the majority of dishes reflect local taste – menus feature up to 85% West African cuisine, from Ghanaian palm nut soup to Ivorian kedjenou. The idea isn’t just comfort – it’s resonance.

“We don’t want guests to feel like they’ve left home,” says Umoh. “This is hospitality the African way – close, warm, intuitive.”

This balance of global-standard systems with local soul has become BON’s signature. It’s also earning praise across the region, demonstrating that hospitality built by Africans, for Africans, is no longer a niche approach – it’s the future.

A Playbook for Growth in Africa

As other brands chase market share in Africa, BON’s trajectory offers a compelling alternative: build networks, not just hotels; empower local owners, not just shareholders; and prioritise authenticity over imported luxury.

With both occupancy and average daily rates climbing, Umoh believes the company’s experience is a benchmark for broader industry transformation. “African business travellers are demanding more,” he says. “If your hotels understand their journeys, their preferences, their pain points – you win.”

In an era where personalisation is power, BON is making its bet on the home field. And so far, it’s working.

ABUJA, NIGERIA: Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has announced strategic agreement with John Williams Hotels & Resorts and Boulevard Hotel Group to launch Mövenpick and Mövenpick Living in Abuja, Nigeria.

Set to open in Q1 2026, the development will rise in Abuja’s Central Business District, offering a warm and welcoming destination that blends contemporary design, generous hospitality, and joyful moments of reconnection. Mövenpick & Mövenpick Living Abuja will feature 138 hotel rooms and 36 serviced apartments, designed to accommodate both short-term stays and the growing demand from multinationals and expatriates seeking high-quality long-term accommodation.

Rooted in Mövenpick’s Swiss heritage and vibrant spirit, the property will offer four dining venues, a 665-square metre grand ballroom, flexible meeting and conference spaces, a spa, fitness centre, and an outdoor pool combining business functionality with leisure appeal.

Strategically located on Constitution Avenue, the hotel will offer direct access to the Three Arms Zone and is just 30 minutes from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, positioning it as a key hub for business travel, MICE events, and diplomatic engagements in West Africa.

“We are proud to continue expanding our presence in West Africa, a market full of potential,” said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor. “This signing reinforces our commitment to Nigeria and the broader African market and brings the Mövenpick Living concept to the country for the very first time offering a new level of flexibility and comfort to long-stay guests.”

“This partnership brings our vision to life” said Chief William Agbo, CEO/Founder John Williams Hotels & Resorts. “Introducing internationally recognized hospitality standards into the heart of Nigeria’s capital while fostering opportunities for local talent.”

“Boulevard Hotel Group is proud to bring operational excellence as we manage this flagship development, setting new standards both in Abuja and across emerging markets throughout West Africa,” added Ekene Nnabuihe, Group CEO Boulevard Hotel Group.

As demand for high-quality hospitality offerings in Abuja continues to rise, the city presents strong opportunities particularly in the premium and extended-stay segments. This strategic partnership brings together Accor’s global brand leadership, John Williams Hotels & Resorts’s local development expertise, and Boulevard Hotel Group’s operational excellence to deliver a vibrant hotel and serviced residence that welcomes connection, celebration, and comfort.

The project aligns with the three partners’ commitment to responsible tourism development, focusing on local employment across skill levels and inclusive supply chain integration to support Nigeria’s growing hospitality ecosystem.

Accor currently operates four properties in Nigeria under the ibis, Novotel, and Mövenpick brands. This new signing reinforces the Group’s strategic growth ambitions in the country and adds to its diverse and growing presence across Africa where Accor today operates more than 167 properties (+32K keys) and continues to lead development across key gateway cities and emerging destinations. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is present in more than 40 countries with over 130 hotels in its portfolio and an additional 90+ addresses in the pipeline.

Designed specifically for travel agents, this comprehensive resource provides exclusive access to expert information on the most sought-after destinations and experiences across Southern and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean islands.

“In our new travel brochure, we’ve showcased our wonderfully diverse continent’s most spectacular countries and regions, from South Africa’s Cape Winelands and sunny KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Namibia, and Botswana,” says Murray Gardiner, CEO of GILTEDGE Group. “We are confident that this beautifully-packaged information will play a leading role in attracting more international visitors to Africa.”

The GILTEDGE travel brochure features detailed information on travel experiences, preferred airlines, and explores GILTEDGE’s commitment to sustainable and purposeful travel. It also highlights each destination and the company’s esteemed accommodation partners.

“At GILTEDGE, we are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism and empowering our agents to help their clients make a positive difference within the communities they visit,” adds Gardiner. “All our carefully selected partners share our values, placing sustainability at the core of their operations.”

In addition to the new travel brochure, GILTEDGE has introduced an innovative map resource. This tool allows clients to visualize their prospective itineraries, acting as a valuable aid for travel agents. The map resource can be pre-ordered separately or together with the brochure.

To pre-order the GILTEDGE brochure with map insert, interested travel trade can complete this form – GILTEDGE Brochure Pre-order.

For media enquiries, please contact inga@bigambitions.co.za

Contact GILTEDGE
International tollfree telephone:
USA: 1 877 511 6860, UK: 0800 680 0423, AUS: 1 800 737 403
South Africa telephone: +27 21 713 0296 Email: info@gilt-edge.com

With seven out of 10 of the fastest-growing economies in the world being in Africa, and the number of tourists expected to double by 2030, Index Hotels is already ahead of the curve. “We chose to base ourselves in Ghana a number of years ago for several reasons,” explains Seaman. “Ghana’s stable political environment was an important factor, meaning we could safely expand into West Africa. We also identified an opportunity to grow the hospitality industry there by focusing on developing independent local hotels before the market became saturated with internationally branded hotels.

“Being passionate about the impact of hospitality not only on our guests, but also on employees and surrounding communities, we wanted to play a role in upskilling local talent and creating jobs while introducing state-of-the-art technology and world-class systems,” he says.

Fiesta Residences in Accra was Index Hotels’ first new development; a ground-breaking combination of boutique hotel with serviced apartments to attract both short- and long-stay guests – often corporate clientele on business in the area. “We also conceptualised The Grillroom, which was the first of its kind in Ghana – an elegant à la carte restaurant with an upmarket bar, pool terrace and lounge offering guests a first-hand experience of social life in Accra. Together with the Lurra Spa, this helped position Fiesta Residences as a capital city destination.”

Seaman attributes their success in Ghana to an in-depth knowledge of the operational nuances of hospitality in Africa, as well as strong business relationships. “We manage and develop independent hotels by working hand in hand with owners and developers, helping them realise their dream for a hotel that will make a meaningful contribution to the economy and society, while optimising their investment. “We also have a deep understanding of the diversity of local markets and believe in a ‘one-size-fits-one’ approach. As such, everything we do, from concept through to guest experience, is intentionally individualised, based on what the market requires and what niches we have identified.”

A unique ethos and approach
Index Hotels has made their mark with their ‘one-size-fits-one’ approach on home ground in South Africa as well, coupled with a holistic approach to hospitality management. “Where many hotel management companies focus purely on hotel beds, we look beyond this at unique food and beverage offerings and a diversity of accommodation, such as serviced apartments, bungalows and villas,” says Seaman. “Also, lifestyle venues such as our spas, and our flagship Enoteca, a wine showcase experience at Le Grand Domaine in Stellenbosch.

“Offering heartfelt hospitality remains our whole orientation. Hospitality is a catalyst for creating communities and people are hungry for that sense of belonging. Ultimately, I see us as community builders, and that, too, is a unique approach in this industry,” he points out.

Finally, and importantly for tourism in Africa, Seaman stresses that their focus has always been on developing and growing local economies. “This is particularly important given the tourism revenue leakages that have been reported on recently. The figures show that for every US$100 a tourist from a developed country spends in a developing country, only around US$5 remains in that local economy. I believe this advocates for more independent local hotels and is one of the reasons why Index, as an African hotel management company, has been making strides. Our distribution model and revenue optimisation specifically focus on better yields for local hotels by reducing the cost of distributing room inventory, and also conversions to bookings,” he concludes.

The airline launched into a digitization journey with localized service, languages and payment options. Being a pioneering airline in Africa with the inclusion of Alipay and WeChat payment options, the App also features 38 payment options which cater to global customers. Ethiopian Mobile App enables global passengers book, pay, check-in, board as well as enjoy flight status notifications all with a single-window system and a mobile-cloud first strategy.

Miretab Teklay, Ethiopian IMC Director, said, “In line with Ethiopian digitally connected guest strategy, we have made substantial investment in our digital service to elevate our customers
experience with Ethiopian. The digital transformation is incredibly encouraging. The app year-onyear revenue alone has risen 1000%. Currently, all touch points across the customer journey have gone digital. The digital service has helped us create great customer experiences. Our digitally talented technical team is working day and night to leverage emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, IoT, block chain, biometrics and make the app a leading digital platform in the world.”

Situated in the city’s main thoroughfare, Bole Road, 1km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and close to corporate institutions and embassies, the property will appeal to regional and international business travellers seeking stylish and affordable accommodation.

Ibis Styles Addis Ababa will offer 150 rooms, an all-day dining venue, fitness centre and gym, meeting space options and a car park.

It is expected to become a destination for travellers and families who appreciate trendy boutique-style accommodation with creative and culturally relevant design, modern technology and home comforts.

The hotel will join Accor’s growing pipeline of properties in Addis Ababa under brands including MGallery, Mercure, Pullman and Mövenpick.

Additionally, the airline offers a great mix of discount awards, extra bonus miles and more privileges including from its partners all over the world.

Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines remarked,” We are excited to offer our members more ways to earn miles over the years. Throughout these years, our customers have immensely contributed to the development of the loyalty program. Our Frequent Flyer Program has teamed up with several airlines and non-airline partners to create a world of choices for members to accumulate miles. Going forward, we will continuously strive to offer enormous privileges for our customers underpinned by our digital solutions. We sincerely thank our loyal members and partners for their continued support throughout the years and for inspiring us to constantly enrich their travel and overall travel experiences.”

With the continued loyalty and patronage of the ever-growing loyal customers, ShebaMiles has come a long way from its humble beginnings with a small member base to a considerably large number of frequent travellers that effortlessly enjoy elevated and end-to-end travel experiences with digital solutions.

The airline operates two daily flights from Dar es salaam to Dodoma with flight connections available from Zanzibar, Pemba, Tanga and Iringa.

The airline said it will increase its weekly flights between the Ethiopian capital and Chinese cities to 50, up from 35.

The airline also plans to beef up its Japan services by connecting Tokyo with Addis Ababa seven times a week by 2021. It currently offers the service five times a week, with a transfer in Seoul.

The new service will be direct and use Tokyo’s Haneda Airport rather than the current Narita Airport, in Chiba Prefecture.

Ethiopian Airlines flies to 60 cities in more than 40 countries and uses Addis Ababa Bole International Airport as its hub.

Introduced as part of a national initiative to transform Ethiopia’s tourism sector, the e-visa service allows international tourists to enjoy hassle-free visa processing which saves their time, energy and cost. The online service has made travel to Ethiopia convenient, dependable and easy. Between July 2018 and June 2019, tens of thousands of travellers have secured their visa online to attend conferences in Ethiopia.

Government ministries, regional and international organizations, as well as NGOs, are already reaping the benefits of online visa services for conference participants. Once conference organizers issue authorized invitation, participants can process their visa online by uploading the invitation letter on the e-visa website (www.evisa.gov.et). The system also allows applicants to pay visa processing fees effortlessly through online payment solutions.

“We found the e-visa system extraordinarily easy to do. Very user-friendly,” says Derek Houston of HoustonTravel Marketing Services which recently organized the Spotlight Travel Expo in Addis Ababa. “The Customer service by Immigration Personnel [at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport] was very good.”

Gone are the days when international passengers had to visit Ethiopian embassies overseas to process visa requests. The e-visa service marks a quantum leap on the part of Ethiopia, and underscores the country’s commitment to easing its visa services for international tourists who travel to the country.

With its key place in Africa’s diplomacy, convenient e-visa service, expanding conference facilities, and an ever growing flag-carrier with seamless service, Ethiopia is set to hold a prime spot on the global map of conferences and exhibitions in the years to come.