South African-based hotel management company, BON Hotels, has extended its African presence with the addition of BON Hotel Karibu Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its portfolio.

Situated in Kolwezi, the capital city and mineral mining hub of Lualaba Province in the south of the DRC, the 55-room hotel is scheduled to open in April.

The new hotel will be the first full-service mid-market hotel catering for local and international visitors, both short and long stay.

The hotel will feature a top-floor penthouse, business centre, meeting rooms, two restaurants, a sky bar, swimming pool and a gym.

According to BON Hotels, Kolwezi 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.  

BON Hotels plans to continue with its expansion in the DRC, with projects in major districts such as Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, in the pipeline.

Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels, believes the DRC will become an economic powerhouse, hence BON Hotels’ investment. “Green shoots and investment will come with political stability. The DRC is underdeveloped and we have no doubt that the country is primed for international investment and significant growth.”