Freetown, 7th April 2026- Global hospitality giant Hilton has announced plans to open Sierra Leone’s first internationally branded airport hotel later this year, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tourism and investment landscape.
The Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport, located next to the Lungi Congress Centre, will feature 110 contemporary guest rooms, a lobby café, restaurant, fitness centre, outdoor pool, and four meeting rooms. The property is part of an ongoing airport expansion project designed to transform the site into a hub for international business and exhibitions.
The opening represents Hilton’s debut in Sierra Leone and underscores growing confidence in the nation’s hospitality sector. It is expected to generate new jobs, boost business travel, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s positioning as a gateway for international conferences and tourism.
The announcement comes as Hilton accelerates its Sub‑Saharan Africa growth strategy. In 2025, the company signed a record 29 deals across 15 countries, with plans to open more than 100 hotels across Africa in the coming years. Over half of these will be in Sub‑Saharan Africa, creating more than 20,000 job opportunities continent‑wide.
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Chief Development Officer for the Middle East & Africa, said Sub‑Saharan Africa remains a strategically important growth region. “We continue to see strong long‑term potential driven by expanding business hubs, improving connectivity, and increasing investment in tourism infrastructure,” he noted.
Alongside Sierra Leone, Hilton is also re‑entering Chad with the upcoming Hilton N’Djamena Toumai Palace, and expanding in Zambia and South Africa with new signings in Lusaka and Polokwane. The company’s pipeline now brings its total Africa footprint to more than 180 hotels trading and in development.
For Sierra Leone, the Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport signals more than just a new hotel. It represents international recognition of the country’s potential as a destination for both business and leisure, while aligning with government efforts to modernize infrastructure and attract foreign investment.
