What are the biggest challenges in developing a hotel project in Africa?
Frederic van Lennep
Business Development Director MEA | 21st Century Evolution Systems
Developing a hotel project in Africa can be highly profitable, but can also present a range of challenges, some of the biggest of which are:
Currency depreciation: weak domestic currencies can adversely affect hotel projects, with massive increases during construction of imported (in dollars) materials.?For investors new to the continent, this can be the biggest negative factor they face.?Where hotels must by law trade in the local currency (and not in any hard currency), depreciation can severely impact foreign debt service.
Infrastructure: One of the biggest challenges in developing a hotel project in Africa is the lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply. This can make it difficult to get construction materials to the site, as well as providing essential services to the hotel once it's built.
Political instability: Many countries in Africa have a history of political instability, which can create an uncertain business environment. This can make it difficult (and expensive)?to secure financing for the project and can also increase the risk of delays or disruptions during the construction process.
Regulatory environment: The regulatory environment in many African countries can be complex, opaque and unpredictable, with frequent changes to laws and regulations. This can make it difficult to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to build a hotel project.
Local professionals: Finding skilled professionals for the design and construction of a hotel can be challenging in some parts of Africa. This can lead to errors and?delays in the construction process and can also increase labor costs when expatriate personnel are required.
Security: Security can be a major concern in many parts of Africa, with risks such as theft, vandalism, and terrorism. This can increase the cost of securing the site during construction and can also affect the hotel's ability to attract guests.
Cultural differences: Cultural differences can present challenges when developing a hotel project in Africa. Understanding local customs and traditions is important to avoid offending local residents and potential guests.
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"Developing a hotel project in Africa can be a complex and challenging endeavor due to factors such as the lack of basic infrastructure, political instability, regulatory environment, weak and depreciating local currencies,?security concerns, cultural differences, and difficulty in finding skilled labor. However, one way to mitigate these challenges is by using professional consultants and conducting a feasibility study."
Professional consultants can bring their expertise and experience to the project, helping to navigate the regulatory environment, identify potential risks, and develop a solid project plan. They can also provide valuable insights into local customs and cultural differences, which can help to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the hotel is well received by the local community and guests.
A feasibility study can help to assess the viability of the hotel project by analyzing current and future?market demand, the competition (existing and planned),?and financial projections. This can help to identify potential challenges and opportunities, as well as determine the feasibility of the project from a financial perspective.
The benefits of using professional consultants and conducting a feasibility study include:
Overall, using professional consultants and conducting a feasibility study can be invaluable for developing a hotel project in Africa, mitigating risks, maximizing returns, streamlining the project, and enhancing the hotel's reputation.
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Director for Hospitality, Sports & Entertainment at HPE Aruba Networking
1 年Great article Frederic
Director at DAA Architects Limited - hotel design specialists in West Africa
1 年Essential to use professional consultants who understand the local culture, construction methods, and the often complex approval processes that one will encounter. Good professional consultants can also help to mitigate the high cost of delivery in Africa.
You’re so right Frederic van Lennep. We can only hope that more and more people listen to these reasons and by doing so save themselves in many cases millions of dollars. It never seizes to amaze me how an often emotional decision to enter our industry clouds someone’s otherwise clear judgement. Thank you for raising this point.
Award-winning, passionate & experienced Africa-hotelier (20+ years/9+ pre-openings) helps you succeed with your hospitality business
1 年Engaging TRULY knowledgeable consultants is key to a successful development but moreover owners/investors (mostly non-hoteliers) should not cut corners (financial constraints....) and put personal taste aside but implement advice given.