Qatar-based Katara Hospitality and AccorHotels, announced the creation of an investment fund with a targeted investment capacity of over USD 1 billion dedicated to hospitality in various Sub-Saharan African countries.

The fund will amount to up to USD 500 million in equity, of which Katara Hospitality and AccorHotels will contribute respectively up to USD 350 million and USD 150 million over the next five to seven years, with additional financing capacity reached through leverage and co-investments.

It will target greenfield projects, brownfield projects and conversions of existing hotels through acquisitions, in a region which offers robust growth opportunities. Approximately 40 hotels (around 9.000 rooms) will span across the wide range of internationally renowned brands of AccorHotels, from economy to luxury segments, including residences.

With this initiative, Katara Hospitality and AccorHotels aim at creating the number one sustainable hospitality fund dedicated to Africa, bringing support to job creation, training, transfer of skills, local supply chain and communities in the region, operating in compliance with UN sustainable development goals.

Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, chairman of Katara Hospitality, said: “It is evident in the recent times that Sub-Saharan Africa’s hospitality industry has made great strides, and follows the latest positive developments between the State of Qatar and Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance bilateral relations in different industries. We view this fund as an excellent vehicle to take advantage of this compelling markets by teaming up with AccorHotels who provide international hotel brands and operations with strong capabilities.”

He explained that Katara Hospitality is a government-owned organization whose goals are naturally aligned to the country’s objectives; “as the hospitality arm of the Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund, we identify strategic investment opportunities in other markets; and we continuously optimize our international investments to make the best possible returns whilst at the same time safeguarding our economic future.”

Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of AccorHotels said: “Having been present for over 40 years in Africa, we also know that there are increasing and sizeable needs for quality hospitality. Through this fund, we will match the expertise of Katara Hospitality together with AccorHotels’ world leading brand portfolio to accelerate our dynamic growth trajectory in the Sub-Saharan region. Above all, by this initiative we demonstrate our shared intention to support sustainable development over the long-term on this continent”.