Radisson’s Ambitious Expansion Plans in Africa

Radisson has its sights set on expanding across Africa, aiming to solidify its position as the continent’s fastest-growing hotel chain by accelerating the pace of hotel agreements in key urban hubs.

With ambitions to boost its hotel portfolio in West and Central Africa by 50%, Radisson presently operates or has agreements for 29 hotels, totaling over 5,000 rooms.

In the past year, the company has inked five new deals, including ventures into new markets such as the Radisson Blu Beach Resort & Spa in Banjul, Gambia, and the Radisson Hotel Benin City in Nigeria. The Banjul project, boasting 462 rooms, is currently under construction and is slated for an early 2025 unveiling.

Expanding further into Nigeria, Radisson is introducing the Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, a Radisson Blu Hotel in Abuja, and a Radisson Red hotel in Lagos. These additions bolster Radisson’s footprint to 12 hotels in Nigeria. Notable among these is the Radisson Collection property, featuring 249 rooms along with extensive conference facilities, while the Radisson Blu with 104 rooms is anticipated to debut in early 2025.

“We’re concentrating on substantial expansion efforts in eight key cities in West and Central Africa,” remarked Erwan Garnier, Radisson Hotel Group’s Senior Director of Development for Africa. “Our strategic development in this region encompasses various types of accommodations, including business hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and mixed-use projects.”

Looking ahead, Radisson is aiming to grow its African portfolio to 150 hotels over the next five years, marking a significant increase from its current tally of 100 hotels. The company asserts its status as the swiftest-growing hotel chain in Africa, boasting a 15% annual growth rate.

Elsewhere on the continent, Radisson unveiled its maiden safari hotel and its eleventh establishment in South Africa in February 2024. The Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit features 138 rooms characterized by contemporary Scandinavian design, complemented by a restaurant featuring a picturesque thatched roof. Nestled between Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the hotel offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Meanwhile, plans are underway for Radisson’s second hotel in Algeria, the 148-room Radisson La Baie d’Alger, set to open in mid-2026 near Algiers’ city center and port, with the international airport just a 15km journey away.