Marriott on track to swell Africa portfolio by 50 percent in five years

Marriott International is ramping up its expansion in Africa.

The group says there is strong demand for select-service brands and conversions in Africa as it signed five new hotels in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa, and announced its upcoming debut in Mozambique.

"The signings put Marriott International on track to increase its portfolio by 50 percent with over 200 hotels and 38,000 rooms by 2023 estimated to generate 12,000 new job opportunities," Marriott said during the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Nairobi.

The five new hotels will generate about $250 million in investment by the property owners.

"Marriott International’s acquisition of Protea Hotels has given an impetus to our organic growth on the continent. Today we are seeing strong owner interest in our brands, backed by our combined loyalty program, and the collective strength of our global platform," said Middle East and Africa MD, Alex Kyriakidis.

"The continent is still under capacity as far as branded hotel supply is concerned, presenting us with a fantastic opportunity."

Marriott has a presence in 21 African nations including Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Namibia, Tanzania, Mali and Gabon.

It is also set to expand in new markets such as Benin, Botswana, Ivory Coast and Mauritania.

Recent conversions added to the Marriott portfolio this year include Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi, Hurlingham, Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel, Tanzania and Mena House in Cairo.