With two openings in DRC, Radisson continues growth in Africa

Belgium-based hospitality firm Radisson Hotel Group says it continues to solidify its leadership in Africa’s hospitality landscape, with its top ranking in From Pipeline to Reality report by W Hospitality Group for achieving the most hotel openings across the continent within the year 2024.

In a press statement, Radisson says that building on this momentum during the first quarter of 2025, it now announces its market entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with two landmark signings, while further strengthening its presence in Central Africa with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé in Cameroon.

The statement adds that with 11 hotel signings and 7 openings over the last 15 months totaling over 2,000 signed and 1,500 opened rooms, 1,000 through conversions, the Group has strengthened its position as the leading hotel company in Africa, with a diverse portfolio of 100 hotels across more than 30 countries. This growth reflects the Group’s focussed expansion strategy, strong local partnerships, and continued success in delivering high-impact conversions.

“Over the last 15 months, we achieved remarkable growth across Africa. We expanded into new markets like Tanzania, Conakry, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further cementing our position on the continent. Our pipeline remained the most active in the industry, driving sustained momentum and once again highlighting the quality of our partners and the effective execution of our teams. We celebrate these successes and look forward to unlocking further value to our stakeholders on the continent, while also giving back to the communities in which we operate through meaningful local engagement and long-term social impact initiatives,” says Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group.

Elie Younes

It adds that its entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with the signing of two landmark properties, namely Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi, further strengthening the Group’s presence in Central Africa.

Strategically located on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, Kinshasa’s prime residential and business area, this upper-upscale hotel will feature 110 rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and a Presidential Suite. Its modern meeting and event spaces will feature an event hall and pre-function area, ideal for both corporate and social gatherings. The hotel is located 32 km from N’djili International Airport, 10 km from N’Dolo Airport, and 6 km from the Gare Centrale train station.

The statement adds that located on Revolution Road Avenue in Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC, this upscale hotel will offer 97 stylish guest rooms, including standard rooms, junior suites, and a Presidential Suite. The hotel’s meetings and events facilities will comprise three flexible meeting rooms and a dedicated pre-function area.

It says customers can also have access to a well-equipped gym and a swimming pool. The hotel enjoys a prime location near Kipopo Lake, surrounded by luxury residences and notable landmarks such as Lubumbashi Golf Club and La Plage, and is just 12 km from Luano International Airport.

Other key signings and openings across the region

In Guinea, the Group marked a significant milestone with the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, just three months after signing. This contemporary beachfront property, located in the city’s vibrant Kipé neighbourhood, features 282 rooms, suites, and apartments with sweeping ocean views and convenient access to the city’s key business and leisure hubs.

The statement adds that further strengthening its Indian Ocean portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group signed and opened Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare in Mauritius. Located on the east coast of Mauritius, the resort features 234 spacious accommodations, family-friendly amenities, and breathtaking lagoon views, making it a sought-after destination for travellers of all types.

Crystals Beach Resort at Belle Mare is the latest Radisson property in Mauritius

“We have had a successful track record over the past 15 months with our focus on conversions, including Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, and Radisson Blu Hotel and Conventiob Centre Tunis, all fantastic hotels that have further elevated our portfolio in Africa,” adds Younes.

In Cameroon, Radisson Hotel Group continues to strengthen its presence with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, this 150-room property will be ideally located in the heart of the capital’s central business district, just a 30-minute drive from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport.

The hotel with 1,350 sqm of flexible meetings and events space, as well as premium wellness facilities, including a spa, gym, and a rooftop pool with an expansive pool deck, the hotel is set to become a landmark destination in the city. This signing also reinforces the Group’s continued pursuit of growth opportunities across Cameroon, including in the key market of Douala.

Radisson Hotel Group says it is also deepening its commitment to key markets across the continent, with 30 hotels in Morocco by 2030, building on an already robust development pipeline, aiming for 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, doubling its current footprint and continuing its growth momentum with multiple developments, in Nigeria, alongside strengthening the Group’s West Africa presence with its entry into DRC.

“While geographical diversification remains a priority for us, we also see a clear opportunity to consolidate our presence across key markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, each with at least one opening scheduled in 2025. Our results reinforce our brand strength and ability to adapt and grow across diverse markets. We remain committed to expanding our footprint while delivering world-class hospitality experiences across Africa,” says Younes.