Hilton, one of the world’s leading hospitality brands, has announced the launch of its lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Sub-Saharan Africa, with its first property set to open in Kigali, Rwanda.
The move comes through a new partnership with Zaria Court Kigali, a development under the Zaria Group, founded by NBA champion and Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri.
Located next to the BK Arena, the upcoming hotel will feature a rooftop lounge, swimming pool, co-working space, and sports bar, positioning it as a new hub for both business and leisure travellers.
The property will also be managed by Aleph Hospitality, marking Hilton’s first venture in Rwanda, and is scheduled to open later this year.
Hilton operates a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms across 123 countries and territories, according to Hospitality Net, a global business-to-business resource for the hotel industry.
According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Hilton’s expansion demonstrates growing investor confidence in Rwanda’s rapidly developing tourism and hospitality sector.
“The investment reflects confidence in Rwanda as a tourism and hospitality destination, while contributing to local jobs, enhanced guest experiences, and a diversified accommodation portfolio,” RDB said in a statement.
The project aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to double its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) earnings to $224 million by 2028, supported by investments in high-end accommodation and venues such as the Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena.
Developed by Zaria Group, Zaria Court Kigali is envisioned as a vibrant space blending sports, culture, and community engagement. Ujiri, known for his Giants of Africa foundation, said the project aims to “redefine hospitality and empower African talent through business and cultural exchange.”
The Kigali property follows the opening of the $25 million Zaria Court complex, inaugurated by President Paul Kagame and Ujiri earlier this year. The mixed-use facility includes restaurants, retail spaces, and sports courts, designed to promote wellness and creativity among Africa’s young professionals and travellers.
Headquartered in Virginia, USA, Hilton operates 64 hotels across Africa with over 100 new properties in the pipeline, reaffirming its commitment to the continent’s long-term growth.
Launched in 2017, the Tapestry Collection by Hilton is among the company’s fastest-growing lifestyle brands, a portfolio of original, upscale hotels that offer distinctive local experiences while benefiting from Hilton’s global standards and award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty programme.
“Each Tapestry Collection property tells its own story. Our goal is to connect travellers with authentic local experiences, backed by the reliability and warmth associated with the Hilton brand,” the company said.
Hilton’s arrival adds to Kigali’s expanding list of global hospitality names, including Radisson, Marriott, and Onomo, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as one of Africa’s top destinations for sustainable and innovation-driven travel.
