AFRICA – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Aleph Hospitality to develop ten franchise hotels across IHG’s portfolio of brands in midscale and upscale segments.

The agreement was signed at Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The MDA will see IHG expand its presence in Africa across key countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria and Ghana.

The addition of new hotels, as a part of the agreement, will solidify IHG’s position as one of the leading hospitality players in the MEA region and will strengthen IHG’s portfolio in the continent.

The MDA will see hotel development across IHG’s six brands including Crowne Plaza, Voco, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites.

Speaking on the announcement, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Aleph Hospitality, which will add a significant number of rooms across our portfolio of brands in the African continent.”

Gauvin further noted that the increasing number of international guests will drive a surge in demand for world-class accommodation and “these new properties will cater to the needs of travellers looking for high-quality hospitality experiences.”

Bani Haddad, Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality said, “This signing presents us with opportunities to further enhance and diversify our portfolio in Africa, and we are excited to partner with a globally renowned company such IHG to grow further in the region.”

Aleph Hospitality is a Dubai-based company that manages hotels directly for owners.

The company leverages its in-depth market knowledge and extensive experience of working with the world’s largest hotel companies to generate superior returns for hotel owners

The hotel management company currently has a portfolio that is comprised of nine hotels across five countries on the continent and plans to expand to 35 hotels across the MEA region by 2025.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,700 hotels and nearly 856,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline

IHG® currently operates 29 hotels in Africa across six brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express ® and Staybridge Suites.