The hospitality industry in Africa holds significant value and offers several advantages. According to Commercium Africa, Africa's hospitality industry is estimated to be worth around $41 billion in 2021, with the potential to grow to $90 billion by 2026. The industry is dominated by hotel and accommodation providers, but also includes restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, and other hospitality businesses. In fact, there is a very rapid growth of the number of quick service restaurants throughout the continent. Home-grown and foreign franchises are mushrooming and with high number of Africa’s population if properly invested in, guided and regulated will lead to so many advantages and exposures to the continent such as;

Africa is experiencing a steady increase in tourism, driven by its diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and growing business travel. Partnering in hospitality businesses, such as hotels, resorts, and tour operators, allows investors to capitalize on the expanding tourism market and benefit from the potential influx of visitors.

The hospitality sector is a significant source of employment, providing jobs for a wide range of skill levels, from hotel staff to tour guides to restaurant workers. Partnering in hospitality businesses can stimulate job creation, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where tourism development projects often take place.

Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings through spending by international visitors on accommodation, dining, transportation, and souvenirs. Partnering in hospitality businesses can contribute to foreign exchange reserves, bolstering national economies and supporting currency stability.

Hospitality investments often require infrastructure development, such as hotels, airports, roads, and attractions, to support tourism activities. Partnering in hospitality projects can drive infrastructure development, benefiting both the tourism sector and the broader economy by improving transportation networks and enhancing connectivity.

Hospitality investments have a multiplier effect on the economy, stimulating demand for goods and services in various sectors, including food and beverage, retail, transportation, and entertainment. Partnering in hospitality businesses can catalyze economic activity across multiple industries, creating ripple effects that benefit local businesses and communities.

Hospitality businesses often prioritize the use of local products and services, including food, handicrafts, and cultural experiences, to enhance the authenticity of the visitor experience. Partnering in hospitality ventures can promote the growth of local industries and small businesses, fostering economic diversification and reducing reliance on imports.

Partnering in hospitality businesses enables investors to participate in destination marketing efforts aimed at promoting African countries as tourist destinations. Collaborative marketing initiatives can raise awareness, attract visitors, and position Africa as a competitive destination in the global tourism marketplace.

Hospitality investments provide opportunities for skills development and capacity building among local communities, including training programs for hospitality management, culinary arts, and tour guiding. Partnering in hospitality ventures can contribute to human capital development, empowering individuals with marketable skills and enhancing the overall quality of service delivery in the sector. Overall, partnering and investing in hospitality businesses in Africa can drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, stimulate infrastructure development, and promote sustainable development while also delivering attractive returns for investors. Collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders is essential to maximize the economic benefits of hospitality investments and ensure inclusive growth across the continent.