Radisson hits 100 hotels in Africa

by MARIA MACHARIA
NAIROBI – RADISSON Hotel Group has reached a significant milestone in Africa, with more than 100 hotels across the continent in operation and under development.

Radisson Blu continues to anchor the Group’s legacy footprint, while the Radisson brand is emerging as the fastest-growing, “supported by a strong conversion engine and a concrete pipeline that continues to translate into openings.”

Over the past 12 months, the Group has signed over 15 new hotels and roughly 2,500 rooms, including new market entries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe.

This week, Radisson Hotel Group is attending FHS Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence and strengthening strategic partnerships.

Over the last five years, Radisson and Radisson Blu have ranked among the most signed brands in Africa, achieving one of the highest shares of cumulative openings.

Priority growth markets remain Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, where the Group is deepening its presence and broadening brand distribution.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Regional Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “We’ve crossed the 100-hotel mark in Africa by staying true to our plan, focusing on where we can lead, moving fast on quality conversions, and partnering with owners who share our ambition. The next phase is about depth in Morocco and Nigeria, a smarter footprint in South Africa, and a stronger resort offering that matches where travelers want to go. Our pipeline is built to open, not just to announce. That is why our conversion share is high, our time to market is short, and our brands are gaining ground in the cities and resort destinations that matter most.”

Nigeria demonstrates the resilience of Radisson’s model.

The Group now holds a strong position in the country with 13 hotels in operation and pipeline, including three hotels in Abuja totaling 458 keys.

In South Africa, growth is focused on Cape Town, secondary cities such as Durban and Pretoria, and leisure corridors including Kruger National Park, Sun City, and the Garden Route.

The Group also plans to enter Zanzibar and explore lodge, safari, and affiliation opportunities in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia to meet rising demand for nature-led experiences.

Conversions remain a key driver of rapid scale.

Over the last five years, more than 15 hotels, equal to almost 3,000 rooms, joined the portfolio through conversion, allowing Radisson to lead openings while maintaining brand standards and accommodating owners’ needs.

Recent signings reflect a balanced pipeline of city hotels, resorts, and quick-to-market conversions spanning DRC, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, including Radisson Blu Kinshasa, three Radisson hotels in Lubumbashi, Radisson Harare, Park Inn Victoria Falls, Radisson Collection Lagos Atlantic, and new Moroccan additions such as Radisson Blu Resort & Conference Center Bouskoura and the first Radisson brand hotel in Rabat, alongside further expansion in Marrakech.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, upcoming openings include Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa (110 keys, opening late 2026), Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi (97 keys, mid-2027), Radisson Blu Apartments Lubumbashi (160 keys, targeted 2030), and Radisson Airport Hotel Lubumbashi (105 keys, 2028).

Egypt will see Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove (469 rooms, 2029) and Radisson Serviced Apartments COY Sheikh Zayed City (120 keys, 2030).

In Morocco, expansions include Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center Casablanca Bouskoura (119 keys), Radisson Hotel & Apartments Rabat Technopolis (140 rooms + 56 serviced apartments), and Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil (80 bungalows, 2028).

In Zimbabwe, the Group is entering new markets with Radisson Serviced Apartments Harare (147 keys, 2028) and Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort (150 rooms, 2029), catering to international and leisure travelers.

With a presence in more than 30 African countries, Radisson Hotel Group is leveraging a combination of depth in key focus markets and selective entry into new destinations each year, positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s hospitality sector.

– CAJ News