Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed its first hotel in Ethiopia, in the capital Addis Ababa, as its expansion in sub-Saharan Africa gathers pace.

Slated to open in quarter for of 2019, Mövenpick Hotel Addis Ababa will be located in the city’s exclusive Bole district, just 2.5 kilometres from the international airport, and will feature 252 keys.

It will also offer an expansive ballroom and state-of-the-art well-being facilities befitting a landmark new hotel that overlooks the country’s national stadium and Elite Sports Centre.

The management agreement represents another step forward for Mövenpick’s strategic expansion plans for Africa, following hot on the heels of last year’s opening of Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech and the signing of new projects in Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.

“We’re delighted to sign our first property in Ethiopia, and excited to secure a presence in the heart of Addis Ababa – a dynamic and thriving capital city which we believe has fantastic potential for continued growth and development,” said Alan O’Dea, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, senior vice president Africa.

“Addis Ababa is set to enjoy strong economic growth and continued infrastructure improvements in the years ahead, and we are looking forward to bringing our signature upscale hotel experience to a new generation of corporate and leisure visitors to the city.”

With growth averaging 10.8 per cent since 2005 and projected to remain at seven to eight per cent until 2020, Ethiopia is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Construction and real estate are booming on the back of sustained infrastructure investment, and Addis Ababa has bold plans to capitalise on its position at the heart of this flourishing economy and establish itself as a major manufacturing and energy hub for the region.

Following a momentous year in 2016, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has continued its rapid expansion this year, with the Addis Ababa signing taking the total development pipeline to 35 hotels worldwide.