Starwood Expands Footprint Across Africa: New Hotels & Investments

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has expanded its footprint across Africa with the signing of three new Sheraton properties, marking the brand’s first entry into Mauritania, Guinea and South Sudan. These additions are part of a broader growth plan that will boost Starwood’s African portfolio by more than 30 percent, with roughly 15 new hotels expected to open across the continent over the next five years. Collectively, the new projects will introduce more than 5,000 guestrooms to the region.

Sheraton Nouakchott in Mauritania, Sheraton Conakry in Guinea and Sheraton Juba in South Sudan broaden Sheraton’s pipeline in Africa to six upcoming hotels. This pipeline already includes developments in Dakar (Senegal), Annaba (Algeria) and Tripoli (Libya). The signings reflect Starwood’s strategic focus on markets that are experiencing rising stability, improved infrastructure, and rapid economic growth, supported by increasing mobile connectivity and stronger business activity.

“With increasing stability, vastly improving infrastructure, rapid economic growth and a booming mobile industry, this is Africa’s shining moment and we are committed to being a part of it,” said Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood. The company’s commitment to the continent is evident in both its development pipeline and its existing operations.

Currently, Starwood operates 37 hotels across 15 African countries. Its portfolio spans North, West, East and Southern Africa, with properties in Algeria, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. This geographic spread positions Starwood to serve a wide range of travelers, from business guests drawn by economic hubs to leisure visitors exploring coastal and island destinations.

The planned openings will not only increase room inventory but are also expected to generate local employment, stimulate demand for hospitality services, and contribute to broader tourism and economic development in their respective markets. Sheraton properties typically offer a full range of guest services—meeting and event facilities, dining options, fitness centers and business amenities—making them well suited for both corporate and leisure segments.

These new signings reflect a wider trend in the hospitality industry, where international brands are deepening their presence in Africa to capture growth opportunities that arise from urbanization, rising middle-class incomes, and improved transport and communication infrastructure. For investors and local stakeholders, the arrival of established hotel brands can help raise standards, encourage additional tourism-related investment, and create linkages across hospitality supply chains.

Starwood’s expansion in Africa also underlines the company’s long-term strategy to diversify its global portfolio while responding to market demand. By entering emerging and underrepresented markets such as Mauritania, Guinea and South Sudan, Starwood aims to position Sheraton as a recognizable option for travelers in regions that are experiencing renewed interest from international tourism and business communities.

As the projects move from signing to development and eventual opening, details such as exact opening dates, room counts per property, and on-site amenities will be announced by Starwood in line with progress on construction and local approvals. The company’s existing footprint and experience operating in multiple African markets provide a foundation for managing these new developments efficiently and delivering consistent brand standards.

These expansions are expected to support local economies by creating jobs during construction and operation, promoting skills development in hospitality, and strengthening the travel and tourism sectors in each destination. For guests, the arrival of Sheraton in these countries will offer greater choice and predictable service standards when traveling for business or leisure.