Nigeria’s Hotel Growth, New Visa Rules, Seychelles Eyes Balkans, and SAA’s West Africa Plans
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Nigeria slips to third in Africa’s hotel pipeline ranking with 7,320 rooms in progress
- Visa overstays in Nigeria now carry steep fines and bans from 2025
- Seychelles targets the Balkans with a focused tourism roadshow
- South African Airways plans Cape Town–Accra–US route to boost international access
Nigeria’s Hotel Boom: 7,320 New Rooms by 2025
Nigeria’s hotel development scene is growing steadily, but the country’s position in Africa’s hospitality race is adjusting. With 48 hotels and 7,320 new rooms underway, Nigeria now ranks third on the continent, just behind Egypt and Morocco. The latest W Hospitality Group report notes Morocco’s recent momentum, signing more hotel deals in 2024 than Nigeria, which led to Nigeria sliding from the second to third spot.
A deeper look shows that much of Nigeria’s development remains early stage. About 61 percent of projects are still in pre-construction, signaling long timelines and potential delays in delivery. Only 2,852 rooms are actively being built. Lagos leads the charge with most of the construction activity centered there—Marriott, Accor, Radisson, Wyndham, and Hilton are all putting hotel keys into Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Meanwhile, Abuja lags behind, with many of its planned 14 projects stuck in the pre-planning phase. While Africa as a whole saw 125 new hotel deals and 21,000 rooms added this year, the challenge remains translating plans into real openings. Nigeria’s story reflects both investor confidence and the complex journey from proposal to operation in the continent’s hospitality space.
Nigeria’s New Visa Rules: $15 Daily Fine, Lifetime Ban for Overstays
Nigeria is stepping up its immigration enforcement with new rules set to take effect from August 1st, 2025. Event planners and business travelers should take note: a $15 daily fine will apply for visa overstays. A three-month amnesty window is open until that date, offering visitors a chance to regularize their status. Beyond the amnesty, overstaying by more than three months lands you a five-year ban, and a stretch over one year results in a lifetime ban.
In a parallel move toward modernization, Nigeria’s Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) application will go fully digital starting May 1st, 2025. Applications and payments will be done exclusively online. Linked to international crime databases, the new system may also affect applicants with criminal histories. The fees stay the same, but the increased scrutiny means permit seekers need to be fully compliant and transparent.
Employers are now directly accountable for the immigration compliance of their expatriate staff. This shift aligns Nigeria’s immigration system with global standards while signaling a broader commitment to structure and enforcement. For fully documented and law-abiding visitors, Nigeria’s doors remain open – but the expectations are clear and the consequences for neglect are direct and steep.
Seychelles Charms Balkan Travelers: Roadshow Success in Belgrade, Zagreb & Ljubljana
Tourism Seychelles has finished a focused roadshow campaign across three key Balkan cities—Belgrade, Zagreb, and Ljubljana. With an eye on growing arrivals from the region, the team presented the islands’ rich travel offer to a mix of travel agents, tour operators, and key industry players. The roadshow was led by Mrs. Lena Hoareau and Marie-Julie Stephen, and was supported by Destination Management Companies and hotel groups, including 7° South, Constance Group, and Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa.
Each city delivered a tailored approach. Belgrade benefited from the support of Turkish Airlines and Air Serbia, highlighting viable flight connections. Zagreb’s event was elevated by the presence of Ms. Sonja Udovicic, Seychelles’ Honorary Consul for Croatia. Attendees received in-depth presentations covering Seychelles’ diverse appeal—from pristine beaches and top-tier resorts to culture and adventure. Face-to-face interactions created the space for targeted networking and new business opportunities.
Serbia stood out as a high-potential market, with Mrs. Hoareau noting the value of its affluent traveler base. The roadshow closed with prize draws that included trips to Seychelles and airline tickets—an extra nod to the region’s importance. The effort underscores Seychelles’ ongoing strategy to deepen ties with the Balkans and turn interest into real visitor growth.
South African Airways: Cape Town to US via Accra by 2026?
South African Airways (SAA) is working on a strategic new route that could reshape African connectivity in the MICE space. By the end of 2026, the airline plans to link Cape Town with a major US city via Accra, positioning Ghana’s capital as a crucial transit hub. This move reflects a broader push by SAA to deepen its presence in West Africa and increase transcontinental access for business and conference travelers.
SAA’s CEO, John Lamola, shared this vision recently with Ghana’s travel industry leaders. The airline has already done the groundwork, confirming the feasibility of direct flights between Accra and the US East Coast. In parallel, SAA is also eyeing an increase in its weekly Johannesburg–Accra flights from four to seven, dependent on aircraft availability. The collaboration with Ghana’s transport ministry signals a clear intent to strengthen bilateral air links for long-term impact.
For the African MICE industry, the proposed connection is more than a flight path—it is a logistical advantage. Greater connectivity between South Africa, West Africa, and North America can significantly reduce travel complexity and cost, opening new doors for international conferences and exhibitions. As SAA adds to its fleet and pushes toward recovery after business rescue, this initiative could play a central role in positioning Africa more competitively on the global meetings map.
That’s it for today.