Harare is set to welcome a new global hospitality brand as Hilton signs its first property in Zimbabwe, marking a significant development in the country’s growing tourism and investment landscape.

Hilton has announced the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands, bringing its award-winning upscale focused-service brand to Zimbabwe for the first time.

The hotel, expected to open in early 2029, will form part of the Highlands Precinct, a mixed-use development by Terrace Africa that will combine offices, retail, dining, residences, hospitality and conferencing facilities.

Located in one of Harare’s established residential and diplomatic areas, the 140-room property is expected to cater to both business and leisure travellers. Plans include an all-day restaurant and terrace, lobby café and bar, gym, swimming pool and meeting facilities.

“Entering Zimbabwe marks an important milestone in Hilton’s continued expansion across Africa and reflects our confidence in the country’s long-term hospitality potential,” said Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton.

The arrival marks a notable shift from Hilton’s 2025 African expansion plans, when the global hospitality group announced ambitions to more than triple its presence on the continent to over 160 hotels, with Zimbabwe not yet part of that pipeline.

Now, Harare has emerged as a new focus market, with Hilton pointing to the city’s role as a commercial, diplomatic and regional gateway and Zimbabwe’s growing demand from business and leisure travellers.

“With Zimbabwe welcoming more than 1.7 million international arrivals in 2025 and Harare serving as a key commercial, diplomatic and regional gateway, we see strong opportunity to bring Hilton Garden Inn to a market where demand from business and leisure travellers continues to grow. We are proud to partner with Terrace Africa to introduce Hilton Garden Inn’s bright service, thoughtful amenities, and dependable guest experience to Harare.” added Carlos Khneisser

Terrace Africa sees the partnership representing a defining milestone for the Highlands Precinct and its vision of creating a connected urban destination for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Our Highlands Precinct has been designed as a connected urban destination that reflects Harare’s growth and evolving lifestyle needs. Partnering with Hilton to introduce its first hotel in Zimbabwe is a defining milestone for the precinct and reinforces our ambition to create high-quality, mixed-use environments that serve residents, businesses and visitors alike.  Together, we are bringing a globally recognised hospitality brand to a destination designed for the future of the city.” said Brett Abrahamse, Director, Terrace Africa

The signing also adds momentum to Hilton’s wider African expansion, with the company currently operating more than 70 hotels across the continent and having over 100 properties in its development pipeline.

The Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands is expected to open its doors in 2029, introducing a globally recognised hospitality name to Zimbabwe’s capital and adding a new chapter to Harare’s evolving tourism and investment story.

^{Images © 2026 Hilton}