Latest news with #AddisAbaba
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Hilton to triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels
RELATED TOPICS HOSPITALITY RELATED COMPANIES Hilton Garden Growthpoint Tern Cornfield Elec Hilton Wrldwide Brighton Hotels Cps Live FD Stamford High St Green Wave Hotel ATKINSONCO AND Most recent hotel openings include Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston and DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport Hilton to make its Ghana debut later this year with the opening of Hilton Accra Cantonments Hilton is currently hiring for 600 new hospitality jobs in Africa and expects to create 18,000 new positions as it expands its portfolio. CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Coinciding with Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced plans to almost triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels trading in the coming years. Across its portfolio of market-leading brands, Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels on the continent, supporting Africa's burgeoning hospitality sector and creating approximately 18,000 jobs for local people. Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, 'We are thrilled to announce several new hotel agreements which significantly expand our footprint in Africa, a continent brimming with potential and opportunity. Our development strategy underscores our commitment to supporting Africa's hospitality sector as we partner with owners to grow our footprint, deliver exceptional stays for our customers and create jobs for local people. Africa offers incredible opportunity, from thriving business hubs to vibrant cultures, wildlife, and natural landscapes. We are excited to unveil a host of new destinations building on Hilton's legacy of hospitality across Africa for over 65 years.' Hilton Debuts in Angola Hilton has made its Angolan debut with the signing of three properties – two in the capital city of Luanda under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and affordable and upscale Hilton Garden Inn brand, as well as one in Cabinda with a property under its award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand. Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho Hilton has signed Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho in partnership with Servicab S.A. The hotel is expected to open in 2027 and will feature 220 guest rooms and suites. Stretched along an 11,250-square-metre beachfront with unobstructed views of the ocean, the property will feature multiple dining options and over 1,000 square metres of event space. Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport Hilton has signed Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport in partnership with Crestigo. Set to open in 2028, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport will feature 200 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and terrace, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, a pool, and a rooftop bar. The hotel's proximity to Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport and corporate business hubs makes it an ideal choice for business travellers. DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences Hilton has also signed an agreement with Prodoil S.A. to debut its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Angola. The property is expected to open in 2026 and will provide 290 contemporary apartments, including studio rooms, two and three-bedroom suites, as well as 10 three-bedroom oceanfront villas. It will also feature a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a natural lake. Additional Hilton Market Debuts Hilton Cotonou In Benin, Hilton has signed an agreement to open Hilton Cotonou in partnership with the Republic of Benin, through the Société de Développement Hôtelier du Bénin (SDHB). This landmark project marks Hilton's official entry into the Beninese market. Scheduled to open in 2028, Hilton Cotonou will be strategically located on the Boulevard de la Marina, next to the Congress Palace, key government offices, and several international embassies. The hotel will feature 233 contemporary guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a signature destination bar and terrace, a pool bar, a spa, an outdoor pool, and flexible meeting spaces designed for both business and social events. The project is expected to generate several hundred direct and indirect jobs across hospitality and related sectors. It will also enhance Benin's capacity to host international conferences and events, reinforcing the country's ambition to become an African hub for business and high-end tourism. Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo Hilton has signed agreements to open two properties in Madagascar, marking Hilton's re-entry into the country. Located in the heart of Madagascar's capital and expected to open in 2028, Hilton Antananarivo will feature 170 guest rooms, multiple dining options, a ballroom, six meeting rooms, a fitness centre, spa and outdoor pool. Further South, Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo will be part of a mixed-use development with retail and office spaces, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. Set to open in 2027, the 120-guest room hotel will offer a restaurant, bar, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Hilton's Nigeria Expansion The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton Located in Jabi, one of the capital's most popular districts, The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, will feature 93 stylishly appointed guest rooms, upscale dining venues, an outdoor pool, and a wellness centre. Developed in partnership with The Wave Hotel Limited (OpCo), the hotel is set to open in 2026 and benefits from being a short 10-minute drive from Abuja's Commercial Business District. Each hotel in Curio Collection is hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world's most sought-after destinations, evoking a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage, and curated experiences. Hilton Lagos Ikeja Hilton has signed Hilton Lagos Ikeja in partnership with Cornfield Group. Located in Ikeja's government and residential hub, the hotel is strategically situated near corporate and governmental offices and in proximity to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Slated to open in 2029, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms and suites - and offers elevated dining options such as an all-day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool bar & grill, and a destination bar. The hotel will also include a spacious ballroom, four meeting rooms, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Hilton Garden Inn in Kano Marking Kano's first internationally branded hotel, Hilton Garden Inn in Kano is being developed in partnership with Akhim Plus Limited. The hotel will offer 100 guest rooms, flexible meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Expected to open in 2029, the hotel's location near key sites including the Government House, Emir's Palace, National Museum, Kano Race Course, Kano Golf Club, and Meena Event Centre makes it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike. West Africa and East Africa Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport Hilton has signed Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport with Amani International Hospitality Limited – bringing Hampton by Hilton's award-winning hospitality to Ghana's Kotoka International Airport. Opening in 2026, Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport will include 170 guest rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer a dynamic open-concept social space and a round-the-clock snacks shop. It will be a part of Airport Area Accra, a mixed-use development featuring malls and corporate offices. In Ethiopia, Hilton recently announced agreements with Brighton Hotels and Business Plc. to open two properties – DoubleTree by Hilton Adama and DoubleTree by Hilton Dire Dawa – marking the first internationally branded hotels in the cities. Opening in 2028, these hotels further reaffirm Hilton's commitment to expanding its presence in Ethiopia, with plans to reach eight trading properties across the country in the coming years. Hilton has also announced its Tanzanian re-entry with the signing of Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj, in partnership with CPS Live Limited. Expected to open in 2027, the lifestyle hotel will feature 162 inviting and sophisticated guest rooms and suites, elevated dining spaces, and a wide array of facilities. Located in the heart of Fumba Town and part of a mixed-use development, 'BURJ Zanzibar,' the property will offer unique experiences tailored to guests seeking authentic local experiences. North Africa Hilton continues to grow across North Africa, with plans to triple its portfolio in Egypt to more than 40 trading hotels across the country in the coming years. In Morocco, Hilton is set to more than double its portfolio, with plans to bolster its luxury presence and introduce new brands. Hilton also recently signed a new DoubleTree by Hilton property in Fes, an ancient city whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf In partnership with Le Clos de l'Atlas, Hilton is set to open DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf in 2028. The 109-guest room property will be located next to a golf course and will offer easy access to Fes's many cultural attractions. The hotel will also be in close proximity to Fes's industrial quarter and an upcoming convention centre, making it ideal for business travellers as well. Recent & Upcoming Openings In South Africa, Hilton recently opened Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof in partnership with Growthpoint Properties, marking the lifestyle brand's debut in South Africa. Located in the vibrant Longkloof precinct, the hotel features 154 spacious and modern guest rooms. Each hotel room reflects the country's cultural richness through bold local art and design and colourful prints throughout its interiors. Ideally situated in Cape Town's City Bowl, the property offers easy access to Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the V&A Waterfront. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's signature restaurant, Ongetem, led by renowned chef Bertus Basson, celebrating South African culinary heritage with bold, contemporary flair. Hilton also recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport in Ethiopia. Located just minutes from Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the property offers a complimentary airport shuttle, a rooftop restaurant, and proximity to the various events at Millenium Hall. Last year, Hilton opened the first Hampton by Hilton in Africa in South Africa with Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, bringing the brand's friendly and authentic service to Johannesburg's financial and shopping district. Later this year, Hilton expects to open its first hotel in Ghana with Hilton Accra Cantonments in partnership with High Street Development Company. Located in Cantonments, an upscale suburb which is home to multiple embassies and high commissions, the hotel will feature 145 guest rooms and a range of dining options including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and pool bar. The hotel will offer a gym, spa, and outdoor swimming pool, as well as more than 900 square metres of event space including a ballroom, seven meeting rooms and an executive boardroom. Hilton currently operates 63 hotels in Africa, with more than 100 under development. All hotels will be part of Hilton Honors, Hilton's award-winning loyalty programme with over 218 million members globally. About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Al Jazeera
7 days ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
Sorry, Mr Gates, your billions won't save Africa
On June 2 while addressing an audience in the Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Bill Gates – the world's second richest person and co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – announced that a significant portion of his nearly $200bn fortune would be directed towards improving primary healthcare and education across Africa over the next two decades. This extraordinary philanthropic pledge is expected to fulfil a commitment he made on May 8 to donate 'virtually all' of his wealth before the Gates Foundation permanently closes on December 31, 2045. Former Mozambique first lady Graca Machel, a renowned humanitarian and global advocate for women's and children's rights, attended the event and welcomed the announcement. Describing the continent's current situation as at a 'moment of crisis', she declared: 'We are counting on Mr Gates's steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us.' The Gates Foundation has operated in Africa for more than two decades, primarily in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. Over the years, it has funded a range of programmes in areas such as nutrition, healthcare, agriculture, water and sanitation, gender equality and financial inclusion. In agriculture alone, it has spent about $6bn on development initiatives. Despite this substantial investment, the foundation's efforts have been the subject of widespread criticism both in Africa and internationally. In particular, serious concerns have been raised about the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the foundation's agricultural interventions – especially the Green Revolution model it has promoted through AGRA, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. Co-founded in 2006 by the Rockefeller and Gates foundations, AGRA aimed to improve food security and reduce poverty for 30 million smallholder households in 11 sub-Saharan African countries by 2021. Nineteen years on, the agricultural transformation Gates envisioned – driven by American capital and know-how – has failed to materialise. Experts argue that the Green Revolution model has not only fallen short on alleviating hunger and poverty but may in fact also be exacerbating both. Problems commonly cited include rising farmer debt, increased pesticide use, environmental degradation, declining crop diversity and a growing corporate stranglehold over Africa's food systems. The limitations of Gates's agricultural ambitions are, arguably, unsurprising. The model is rooted in the American Green Revolution of the 1940s and 1950s – a technological shift linked to settler-colonial agricultural systems and racialised power structures. Gates's philanthropic ideology, shaped by this legacy, risks reproducing systems of dependency and ownership in the Global South. At the core of the Green Revolution, past and present, is a belief in the supremacy of Western science and innovation. This worldview justifies the transfer of proprietary technologies to developing countries while simultaneously devaluing local knowledge systems and Indigenous expertise. Despite its rhetorical commitment to equity, the Gates Foundation often prioritises and financially benefits researchers, pharmaceutical firms and agritech corporations in the West far more than the smallholder farmers and local specialists it claims to serve. Kenyan agroecologist Celestine Otieno has described this model as 'food slavery' and a 'second phase of colonisation'. Meanwhile, the foundation's global health programmes have also drawn criticism for promoting technical, apolitical solutions that ignore the deeply rooted historical and political determinants of health inequity. Just as troubling is the fact that many of these interventions are implemented in poor communities with minimal transparency or local accountability. As Gwilym David Blunt, a political philosopher and lecturer in international politics, notes, transnational philanthropy – exemplified by the Gates Foundation – grants the ultra-wealthy disproportionate power over public priorities. This undermines the principle of autonomy that undergirds any vision of distributive global justice, including the right of Africans to shape their own futures. All of the African countries working with the Gates Foundation continue to face the enduring problems associated with foreign-designed economic interventions and chronic dependence on aid. South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria, for instance, are all contending with the fallout from United States President Donald Trump's cuts to the US Agency for International Development. Still, Gates's philanthropy is only one piece of a much larger, more entrenched problem. No amount of aid can compensate for the absence of visionary, ethical and accountable leadership – or the political instability that plagues parts of the continent. In this vacuum, figures like Gates step in. But these interventions can be politically expedient and risk concealing deeper systemic dysfunction. On June 1, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed awarded Gates the Grand Order of Merit of Ethiopia in recognition of the foundation's 25 years of contributions to the country. Yet even Gates would likely acknowledge that Ethiopia remains mired in corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency and persistent mismanagement of public funds. Abiy's nationalist rhetoric and disastrous internal policies helped trigger a 2020–2022 civil war, which claimed the lives of up to 600,000 people. Although the conflict formally ended in November 2022, Amnesty International has reported that millions still await justice. Human rights violations remain widespread with little accountability for atrocities committed in Tigray and Oromia. Despite overwhelming evidence, Abiy continues to deny any wrongdoing by his military, insisting in parliament that his forces have not committed war crimes. Such claims only underscore the deep crisis of leadership Ethiopia faces. What Ethiopia – and many other African states – urgently need is not another influx of Western money but a radical overhaul of governance. Indeed, Gates's contributions may paradoxically help prop up the very systems of impunity and dysfunction that block meaningful progress. This is why Machel's response to Gates's announcement was so disappointing. Rather than celebrating the promise of more Western aid, she could have used the moment to speak frankly about Africa's deeper crisis: corrupt, extractive and unaccountable leadership. Her suggestion that Africans should rely indefinitely on foreign benevolence is not only misguided – it also reinforces the very power dynamics that philanthropy claims to disrupt. Yes, Gates's decision to donate most of his fortune to Africa is, of course, admirable. But as an outsider immersed in the logic of 'white saviourism' and 'philanthrocapitalism', he cannot fix a continent's self-inflicted wounds. No foreign billionaire can. Only Africans – through transparent, courageous and locally driven leadership – can. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Training Ethiopia's next wave of freelancers to earn, grow and go global
A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work. Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth. Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That's starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC). From employment to independence Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn't know how to position herself as a freelancer. 'I had the skills, but I didn't know how to offer them as a service,' she said. 'The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.' Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility. 'I've always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that's possible.' Adapting to local realities The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged. A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools. Turning lessons into action Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload. 'We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,' she said. 'That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.' The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. 'There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.' Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme's early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities. Growing a freelance community Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience. 'We were learning from each other,' said Seifu. 'We talked about our goals and shared what was working.' Still, Ethiopia's freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Sky News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News
India crash is fresh setback in Boeing's bid to restore its reputation
As hundreds lie dead following the latest tragedy to beset a Boeing passenger plane, is is too early to determine blame. Pilot error, engine failure and bird strikes are among the theories all being banded about. Only the recovery of flight AI171's black box flight recorders are likely to provide the concrete answers. What is inescapable though is that this is an air disaster the plane's maker, Boeing, could well do without. Plane crash latest: 53 Britons on board It sounds petty, in the midst of such a catastrophe, to be talking about the impact on a company but this has been an civil aviation giant left deeply scarred, in the public eye, through its attitude to safety in recent years. While the 787 Dreamliner's record had been impressive up until today, the same can not be said for the company's 737 MAX planes. The entire fleet was grounded globally for almost two years following the demise of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 outside Addis Ababa in March 2019. All 157 people aboard were killed. Six months earlier, a Lion Air 737 MAX, carrying 189 passengers and crew, crashed in Indonesia. At fault was flight control software that has since been rectified. That recent past continues to haunt Boeing. It took those crashes to uncover a culture of cover-up. It amounted to not only a corporate failure but one of regulation and justice too, according to critics, as relatives were denied their days in court due to plea bargains. 1:31 Just last month, the US Justice Department and Boeing agreed a non-prosecution agreement over those two fatal crashes in return for $1.1bn in fines and an admission that it obstructed the investigation. It raises several questions over the US legal system and its ability to police corporate activity and incentivise playing by the rules. Would a British manufacturer have been offered such a deal by US prosecutors? As for regulation, we're told oversight has been stepped up and the number of planes that Boeing makes is still subject to controls in a bid to boost quality. Read more: The company has long denied putting profit before safety but that is what almost every whistleblower to have come forward to date has alleged. The production limits were implemented after a mid-air door plug blowout aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 flight in January last year. They are hampering Boeing's efforts to restore profitability. A 5% fall in its share price at the market open on Wall Street goes to the heart of Boeing's problem. That is every time a Boeing plane is involved in an accident or failure, investors' first instincts are to run for the hills. Boeing says it is seeking more information on the nature of the Air India crash.
Reuters
10-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Ethiopia forecasts faster growth next fiscal year
ADDIS ABABA, June 10 (Reuters) - Ethiopia's economy is forecast to grow slightly faster in the fiscal year that starts next month, while its budget deficit will increase marginally, its finance minister said on Tuesday. The East African nation is implementing far-reaching economic reforms, backed by an International Monetary Fund loan programme. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide told parliament that the economy was forecast to expand 8.9% in fiscal year that runs from July 8 2025 to July 7 2026, up from an estimated 8.4% in the current fiscal year. A budget deficit of 2.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) is expected versus 2.1% of GDP this fiscal year, while overall spending will be about 1.9 trillion birr ($14 billion) next year, he said. Despite being one of the fastest-growing countries in the region in recent years, Ethiopia's economy was held back by a devastating two-year war in the northern Tigray region. ($1 = 134.4212 birr)
