Hilton has announced plans to open its first hotel in Sierra Leone later this year, marking a significant milestone for the country’s hospitality and tourism sector.

According to a statement released by Hilton, the new Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport will be developed in partnership with FB Group and is expected to open in the capital, Freetown.

The hotel is set to become Sierra Leone’s first internationally branded airport hotel, underscoring growing investor confidence in the country’s infrastructure and business environment.

Hilton said the property will be located next to the Lungi Congress Centre and forms part of an ongoing airport expansion project. The development is expected to transform the area into a hub for international business and exhibitions, aligning with broader national efforts to boost economic activity and connectivity.

“Further strengthening Hilton’s partnership with FB Group, Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport is expected to open later this year in Sierra Leone’s capital,” the company stated, adding that the project highlights its strategic expansion across emerging African markets.

The hotel will feature 110 contemporary guest rooms and offer a range of facilities, including a lobby café, restaurant, fitness centre, outdoor pool, and four meeting rooms. Hilton noted that the opening “will mark Hilton’s debut in Sierra Leone and in Freetown,” describing the city as “a port city offering a mix of cultural and heritage attractions.”

Industry observers say the entry of a global brand such as Hilton into Sierra Leone signals increasing international interest in the country’s tourism and business travel potential. The airport location is expected to cater to both business travelers and transit passengers, while also supporting conferences and events linked to the nearby congress centre.

Hilton’s announcement forms part of a broader expansion strategy across Africa, though the Sierra Leone project stands out as a first entry into the local market. The development is anticipated to contribute to job creation, skills transfer, and improved hospitality standards within the country.

The hotel is scheduled to open later this year, though an exact date has not yet been confirmed.