Driving Growth and Empowerment in Africa’s Hospitality Industry
By Andreas Lackner, Vice President Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton
The hospitality industry in Africa is experiencing a significant boom, with over 100,000 rooms currently under construction – a 13% increase from the previous year, as reported by W Hospitality’s 2025 Africa development report. This growth is driven by a growing middle class, a youthful population, and a shift towards prioritizing experiences over material possessions, making hospitality a key player in the continent’s progress.
Hilton is at the forefront of this expansion. With a history of over 60 years in Africa, we have expanded our footprint and introduced a range of award-winning brands to meet the evolving needs of our guests. With 63 operational hotels and plans to double our presence, our dedication to Africa remains steadfast. Central to this growth are our team members – the driving force behind our success and the heartbeat of our hospitality.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector supported a total of 357 million jobs globally in 2024 – equating to 1 in every 10 jobs. With 13,000 team members across Africa, Hilton is committed to spreading hospitality’s light and warmth to our guests and the communities we serve.
Guided by Conrad Hilton’s vision that travel should be a force for good, we are shaping the future of hospitality by investing in people, creating opportunities, and strengthening the communities we operate in.
One of our flagship initiatives is the Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) – a program that fosters innovation and collaboration in hospitality by bringing together students, educators, and industry professionals. After successful editions in Morocco and South Africa, the challenge has expanded to Kenya, reaching East Africa.
Our commitment extends beyond traditional hospitality roles into the broader social and economic fabric of our communities.
In Nigeria, we are empowering women entrepreneurs through partnerships with organizations like Ace Charity and the National Youth Service Corps, supporting over 50 women in building successful enterprises and aiding more than 400 young professionals – many of whom now hold leadership positions at Hilton. Additionally, our support for the Wavecrest College of Hospitality is providing technical training for young girls pursuing careers in the industry.
In the Seychelles, our Fitir Academy program has trained over 60 students, with almost half now employed across our resorts. We have also launched an engineering apprenticeship program in collaboration with the Seychelles Institute of Technology, investing in future talent.
In South Africa, partnerships with academic institutions have provided training and career opportunities to nearly 600 students at Hilton Durban. These efforts have not only benefited the students but have also strengthened ties between the industry and academia, placing graduates in meaningful roles within Hilton and the wider sector.
These initiatives exemplify our Purpose in action – the belief that sustainable success lies in uplifting and investing in the communities we serve. This commitment has earned Hilton recognition as the leading hospitality company to work for globally.
From empowering women to upskilling youth, the stories emerging from our teams showcase the transformative power of investing in people and living our Purpose.
On Africa Day, we reaffirm our dedication to being more than just a hospitality operator. We are a catalyst for growth, a partner in progress, and a platform for Africa’s future hospitality leaders. Together, we are building a brighter and more promising future for Africa.
