Dubai-based independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has expanded its African footprint to eight countries, with the signing of a management contract to operate the Kertel Suites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Under development by DRC-based Sokerico Group, the Kertel Suites in Kinshasa is a boutique premium hotel set to open in Q1 of 2023. The property is located in the heart of the business and embassy hub of Gombe.

Bani Haddad, Founder and MD of Aleph Hospitality, said: “It’s an interesting time to secure a presence in the heart of Africa, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently investing in the hospitality sector, restoring historical sites and strengthening sustainability within their ecosystem. The development is quite unique in its location, and we look forward to bringing next-level hospitality experiences to the heart of Gombe.”

Ritesh Hemnani and Kenny Rawtani, owners of Sokerico Group, said the partnership would provide the impetus to drive job creation and boost tourism development in the conflict-affected DRC.  

“The opening of Kertel Suites in Kinshasa will create vast job opportunities for Congolese residents to become part of Aleph’s rapidly growing hospitality group. Our plan is to help accelerate an increase in tourism in the country and position Kinshasa as a destination with superb hospitality services.”  

Aleph’s rapidly growing portfolio now includes 12 properties in Africa, including in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Morocco and Liberia. The company is targeting 50 hotels across the Middle East and Africa by 2026. 

“The future is very bright for third-party and white label operations in the Middle East and Africa as a viable alternative to traditional hotel management agreements. Given our rapid growth in 2020, which saw our operating portfolio double, and our promising pipeline, we are confident of achieving our targets under this model as the region’s only fully fledged third-party operator,” said Haddad.