Hilton signs deal for first Zimbabwe hotel

The global hospitality group has signed an agreement with property developer Terrace Africa to develop the Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands, marking Hilton’s first hotel in Zimbabwe and the first Hilton Garden Inn property in the country.

The development is located in one of Harare’s established residential and diplomatic districts, about 20-25km from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Read:

Hilton, Hyatt … why are we letting hotel owners act with impunity?

Iconic Hilton Durban shuts after hotel group yanks agreement

Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer for the Middle East and Africa at Hilton, says the group sees potential in Zimbabwe’s hospitality market as international arrivals increase.

Khneisser stated that, “Entering Zimbabwe marks an important milestone in Hilton’s continued expansion across Africa and reflects our confidence in the country’s long-term hospitality potential.”

The Zimbabwe deal comes as Hilton expands its African footprint. The group currently has more than 70 trading hotels across the continent and more than 100 in its pipeline, with over half of the pipeline located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The hotel will form part of the Highlands Precinct, a mixed-use development comprising offices, retail, dining, residences, hotels, and conferencing facilities.

Hilton mentioned that the hotel is intended to serve both business and leisure travellers, with rooms and suites alongside an all-day restaurant, lobby café and bar, gym, swimming pool, and meeting facilities.

Read:

Africa seen as growing hot spot for $3 000-a-night hotel rooms

SA hotel industry struggling despite apparent ‘recovery’

Hilton’s big bet on luxury is all about ordinary road warriors

Zimbabwe recorded more than 1.7 million international arrivals in 2025, while Harare functions as a commercial, diplomatic, and regional gateway. Brett Abrahamse, director at Terrace Africa, says the Hilton agreement forms part of the precinct’s broader development strategy.

“Partnering with Hilton to introduce its first hotel in Zimbabwe is a defining milestone for the precinct,” Abrahamse says.