MIDROC and First Group Sign Deal for 10 Properties in Ethiopia.
With the signing of a master agreement to build and run ten properties in Ethiopia, First Group Hospitality and MIDROC Investment Group have significantly increased the number of internationally branded hospitality assets in the East African nation. At the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Nairobi, the deal was finalised.
Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Jimma, Langano, Danbi, and other major urban and gateway locations are among the portfolio’s independent and Marriott-branded franchisee facilities. The hotels are anticipated to deliver about 1,140 keys in total, with openings scheduled to occur in phases between 2026 and 2031.
The First Group Hospitality’s plan to increase its third-party and white-label management platform in Africa is in line with this arrangement. The collaboration helps MIDROC Investment Group maintain the expansion of its hospitality division in Ethiopia.
“Our agreement with MIDROC Investment Group allows us to establish a substantial footprint in the market alongside a partner with deep local expertise, while delivering high-performing assets and creating long-term value across key destinations,” said David Thomson, Senior Vice President-Development of The First Group Hospitality, in response to the deal.
Solomon Zewdu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIDROC Hospitality, stated, “This partnership reflects our commitment to developing Ethiopian talent and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage through authentic hospitality experiences. This partnership puts us in a position to respond at scale, and we see strong long-term demand across both business and leisure segments.”
The announcement comes after a number of recent events by The First Group Hospitality, such as the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG, and the signing of franchise deals with Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group, and IHG.
