The API Summit 2026 is set to bring together top real estate talent at its Hospitality Forum, focusing on Africa’s growing hospitality markets. The event, hosted by the Cape Town International Conference Centre from September 17 to 18, 2026, will feature industry leaders discussing investment opportunities and challenges in African real estate. Hundreds of property professionals, investors, and managers are expected to attend, reflecting the continent’s rising prominence in global hospitality.
According to the report, Africa’s hospitality sector is attracting significant interest and capital from global investors, including some of the world’s most sophisticated real estate players. Wayne Godwin, Managing Director for Hospitality at Cushman Wakefield Broll, notes that the continent is moving past the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many markets gaining momentum. Godwin, who joined Cushman Wakefield Broll after 11 years at JLL, emphasizes that the recovery period has been marked by renewed confidence and optimism across African hospitality markets.
Optimism in African Hospitality
Godwin highlights the optimism surrounding real estate investments related to hospitality, noting that confidence has been bolstered by property owners selling assets at market-accurate prices after holding them for years. He points out that research suggests a need for $10 billion annually to fund Africa’s existing hotel pipeline, with private equity, banks, and development finance institutions (DFIs) playing key roles. “What we need to ensure is that the solutions are implemented successfully,” Godwin says, emphasizing the importance of timely construction and efficient operation of hospitality assets. He adds that the plans to address this funding gap have been impressive in recent years.
The Hospitality Forum aims to bring together key players, including funders, developers, and operators, to discuss strategies for hotel projects across Africa. With over 100,000 rooms in the development pipeline across 700 properties, the forum is a critical platform for collaboration. Godwin stresses that the event will focus on ensuring these projects are built on time and operate efficiently, addressing the continent’s growing demand for hospitality assets.
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Marriott’s African Expansion
Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President for Development, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, shares Godwin’s optimism. He believes Africa is entering an exciting period in its hospitality evolution, driven by improved infrastructure, rising tourism, and a growing middle class. Marriott’s African development pipeline includes over 100 properties, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to the region. Cheltout highlights that African governments are increasingly prioritizing tourism as a key economic driver, while regional connectivity and infrastructure improvements are further fueling growth.
This year, Marriott celebrated new openings in Cape Verde, Mauritania, and Madagascar, marking its first hotels in these markets. Cheltout notes that demand is diversifying, with a mix of business travel, domestic tourism, and leisure driving growth. Investors are also exploring opportunities beyond traditional urban hotels, including resorts, luxury lodges, and branded residences. He adds that technology is playing a key role in enhancing guest experiences, revenue optimization, and loyalty engagement.
Market Maturity and Opportunities
Godwin observes that African real estate markets are maturing, with owners and buyers aligning more closely on pricing. Historically, long-term owners held assets for decades, but now they are recycling capital more frequently, disposing of assets at fair market prices. This shift indicates market maturity and potential for higher-value deals. Godwin also notes that the presence of more buyers in the room during commercial property sales is a positive sign of increased market activity.
Godwin anticipates new African hotel brands entering the market as management contracts expire or come up for renewal. He emphasizes the long-term investment case for hospitality, driven by Africa’s young population and growing consumer base. With more than half of the continent aged under 25, the potential for increased travel and hospitality demand over the next decade is significant.
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Cheltout highlights Marriott’s expansion plans in North Africa, with new properties in Egypt and Morocco, including the debut of Aloft Hotels and AC Hotels by Marriott. In East Africa, the company has opened properties in Kenya and Uganda. He attributes the sector’s resilience to improving connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and supportive government policies. Cheltout also notes that growth opportunities are broad-based, with markets like Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania leading the way.
The API Summit and its Hospitality Forum offer a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to align on opportunities and challenges in African real estate. Godwin concludes, “The investment case for African hospitality assets and services is more concrete than ever before,” even amid challenges like debt pricing and competition for capital. He emphasizes that attending the summit is key for any business operating in African real estate, providing a platform to align on opportunities and address challenges.
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