Hilton expands South Africa footprint, plans Polokwane Hotel by 2028 

Hilton, a leading global hospitality company is deepening its presence in South Africa with plans to open the Hilton Garden Inn Polokwane in Limpopo by 2028, part of a broader push across the continent. 

The company said on March 31, 2026, it signed a record 29 deals last year across 15 countries, underscoring steady demand for branded hotels in both established and emerging markets. 

Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels across Africa in the coming years, a move it says could create over 20,000 jobs and lift its total footprint to more than 180 properties, including those already operating and in development. 

Growth is being driven by rising demand for reliable, internationally recognized accommodation. Hilton is adding both full-service and focused-service brands, while entering new markets and returning to others. Recent agreements include new Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Gabon and Chad, as well as continued expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn brand.

Polokwane project and South Africa pipeline 

The Polokwane hotel will form part of a mixed-use development near the city’s business district, opposite a retail center. It is being developed with Net Worth Properties. 

Plans for the property include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby and rooftop bars, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and four meeting rooms designed for business and social events. 

Hilton said South Africa remains a key market, with several projects in the pipeline. The Polokwane deal follows the signing of The Sterling Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, alongside two other developments underway. 

“Sub-Saharan Africa remains a strategically important region for Hilton,” said Carlos Khneisser, the company’s chief development officer for the Middle East and Africa. 

He pointed to growing business activity, better air links and increased investment in tourism infrastructure as factors supporting long-term demand. 

“As travel demand evolves, we remain on track to open more than 100 hotels across Africa, with over half in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Khneisser said.

New markets and regional expansion 

Hilton currently operates about 70 hotels across Africa and has more than 100 in development, spanning 13 brands. 

In Gabon, the company plans a dual-brand project in Libreville with FB Group. Scheduled to open in 2027, the development will include Hilton Libreville, with 101 rooms, and Hilton Garden Inn Libreville, with 116 rooms. Both hotels will sit within the Baie des Rois waterfront district. 

Hilton is also preparing to enter Sierra Leone with the Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport, expected to open later this year. The 110-room hotel will serve travelers using the nearby Lungi Congress Centre and airport. 

In Chad, Hilton will return with the Hilton N’Djamena Toumai Palace, a 243-room property near government offices and the capital’s international airport. The hotel is expected to include dining outlets, meeting space and wellness facilities. 

Further south, Hilton Lusaka Pyramid in Zambia is scheduled to open in 2027. The 211-room hotel will target conferences and business travel, with more than 4,000 square meters of meeting space. 

2026 openings set for Ghana, Kenya

Additional projects are planned in countries including Benin, Togo, Tanzania, Angola and Madagascar, reflecting wider demand for international-standard hotels across the region. 

Upcoming openings in 2026 include Hilton Accra Cantonments in Ghana and Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the brand’s first property in Kenya.

Hilton reported adjusted EBITDA of $946 million for the fourth quarter and $3.7 billion for the full year, reflecting steady operating performance as it expands in growth markets.