A portfolio of more than 50 hotels in 24 countries
Based in Dubai, Aleph Hospitality describes itself as the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa. Its portfolio now comprises more than 50 hotels across 38 cities and 24 countries, representing over 7,000 keys.
The 1,330 keys signed since January are in line with the trajectory the group set out in the spring. At that time, it formally announced its target of 100 hotels by 2029 and the strengthening of its leadership team. The operator says it is on track to reach that goal by the end of 2029.
Nigeria leads the signings
The largest deal of the year was in Nigeria. Aleph Hospitality concluded management agreements with the Akwa Ibom State Government for three assets totalling 483 keys: the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, the Arise Palm Resort and the Ibom International Hotel and Convention Centre.
The group is thereby strengthening its presence in the country, where it is already involved in projects including the future Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos, developed with The Ascott Limited.
A first in Pakistan, a third asset in Dubai
In July, Aleph Hospitality signed the Crowne Plaza Multan, a 200-key property scheduled to open in 2028. It is the group’s first hotel in Pakistan.
That same month, the group took over the 279-key Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan in Dubai. It is the third asset the group manages on behalf of West F5 Investments, a sign of a long-term owner relationship.
Rwanda, Tanzania and Ivory Coast round out the year
In January, the operator signed the Best Western Premier Royal Golf View in Kigali, a 101-key property and its third hotel in Rwanda. Three further agreements were concluded during the year. The first covers the Wimby Resort, a 118-key five-star resort in Tanzania.
The other two strengthen the Onomo portfolio in Ivory Coast: the Onomo Angre in Abidjan (96 keys) and the Onomo Allure Koa Lodge (53 keys). They add to the 26-hotel agreement signed in 2025 with African Hotel Development.
International franchise plus independent operator: a growing model
Aleph Hospitality attributes the year’s momentum to three factors. The group positions itself in certain markets before interest from the major operators becomes widespread. It offers a flexible management model tailored to each asset. And it has strengthened decision-making at regional level.
Growth in Africa also reflects a shift in contractual structures. A growing number of owners are pairing a franchise agreement with an international brand with an independent operator responsible for day-to-day operations. In doing so, they are forgoing the traditional management contract, under which the chain operates the hotel itself. This model was already visible in the launch of Tapestry Collection by Hilton in sub-Saharan Africa, where Aleph Hospitality was entrusted with the properties in Kenya and Rwanda.
Neil George, Partner and Co-CEO of Aleph Hospitality, said that more than 1,300 keys in nine months was only the visible part. Beneath it, he explained, lies a management model that adapts to owners’ assets, whether for a repositioning, a transition or a pre-opening, along with regional teams who know their markets inside out. He added that the group had also observed a structural change in hotel contracting in Africa, noting that its forthcoming report with W Hospitality Group shows the number of franchised projects in the African pipeline has risen from 40 in 2020 to 146 this year.
A strengthened leadership team
The group’s organisation has evolved in step with its portfolio. Abdellah Essonni joined Aleph Hospitality in April as Regional Vice President North Africa, based in Casablanca. In August, Rob Kucera was appointed Regional Vice President East and Southern Africa, based in Cape Town.
At the Dubai headquarters, Aline Barhouche has joined as Chief HR Officer and Marc Matar as Vice President Food & Beverage. Estelle Chambost has been promoted to Vice President Learning & Development.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Aleph Hospitality signs nine hotels and 1,330 keys year to date
Nine properties signed across six countries: Nigeria, Pakistan, UAE, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ivory Coast
Largest deal: three hotels (483 keys) with the Akwa Ibom State Government, Nigeria
First hotel in Pakistan: 200-key Crowne Plaza Multan, opening 2028
Portfolio: 50+ hotels, 7,000+ keys, 24 countries – target of 100 hotels by end-2029
Franchised projects in Africa’s pipeline up from 40 (2020) to 146 (2026), per forthcoming Aleph / W Hospitality Group report
