· ENA
Ethiopia Leads Africa's Hotel Construction Pipeline with Nearly 6,000 Rooms
Summary of the ENA report
Ethiopia has 5,964 hotel rooms in 34 hotels under development, and 79.9% of them are under construction, the highest share in Africa, says a W Hospitality Group report. Addis Ababa has about 25,000 visitor beds and wants more than 80,000 before the COP32 climate summit in 2027. MIDROC plans a second Sheraton and a renovated Wabe Shebelle Hotel.
Key points
- Ethiopia has 5,964 rooms in 34 hotels in the development pipeline, according to W Hospitality Group.
- The share of pipeline rooms under construction is 79.9%, the highest in Africa.
- Addis Ababa has about 25,000 accommodation beds and aims for more than 80,000.
- MIDROC plans to renovate the 294 room Sheraton Addis and build a second Sheraton, for about US$116 million combined.
Real.et analysis
ENA reports that Ethiopia has 5,964 hotel rooms in 34 hotels under development. The figures come from the 2026 pipeline report of W Hospitality Group. Ethiopia is fifth in Africa by number of rooms. It is first by the share that is under construction, at 79.9%. Much of the activity is linked to COP32, the United Nations climate summit that Addis Ababa hosts in 2027. More than 80,000 delegates are expected. The city has about 25,000 beds for visitors and wants more than 80,000. MIDROC Investment Group plans about 1,500 beds. It will renovate the 294 room Sheraton Addis and build a second Sheraton in the same compound, at a combined cost of about US$116 million.
What this means for visitors
More rooms are on the way, but most are not open. Until they open, large events can fill the city. During summits, book early and confirm your rate in writing. Our hotel directory lists hotels by area. Renovation at the Sheraton Addis could affect some rooms or facilities, so ask the hotel before you book.
What this means for owners of apartments and guest houses
The city target of more than 80,000 beds includes upgrades to hotels, guest houses and serviced apartments. Owners of furnished flats may see demand around the summit. The demand is for a short time, and standards for registration are not described in the report. Our guide to furnished apartments in Addis Ababa explains the market in normal months.
Projects named in the report
- MIDROC bought the Wabe Shebelle Hotel near Mexico Square. It is to be renovated and to join the Autograph Collection of Marriott.
- Work is expected to start again on the Westin hotel at the African Union, with the aim to finish before COP32.
- Moxy and Four Points by Sheraton hotels are planned in the Mohammadi Residential Village.
These are plans. W Hospitality Group itself warns that hotel openings in Africa are often late.
Background
Across Africa, the report counts 123,846 rooms in 675 hotels, up 18.6% in a year. A later project is the Hilton Garden Inn in the Hilton compound.