South African-based BON Hotels has extended its African presence with the addition of BON Hotel Karibu Kolwezi, situated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to its portfolio.
The 55-room hotel, which is scheduled to open in April, will be the first of its kind for the Lualaba Province of the DRC.
The DRC has historically been considered as one of the most challenging business environments in the world.
Despite its wealth of natural resources, the Francophone country has been left impoverished by corruption, mismanagement and conflict.
Kolwezi as the mineral hub of the DRC is projected to grow substantially over the next three decades.
Currently, small lodges, private hotels and informal hospitality establishments are serving the ever-growing expat and international community who are working and conducting business in the area.
The new BON Hotel Karibu Kolwezi will be the first full-service mid-market hotel catering to local and international visitors, both short and long-stay.
With a strong focus on fire, life, safety and security, the hotel will include a top-floor penthouse, a business centre and meeting rooms, two restaurants, a sky bar, swimming pool and gym.
BON has its eye on expansion within the DRC with a pipeline of projects in some of the major districts, including Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.