LEVA Hotels Expands in Africa With Morocco and Zimbabwe Deals

Dubai-based LEVA Hotels is executing its regional expansion across Africa by combining asset-light historic hotel conversions in high-traffic North African gateways with new-build management agreements in Southern African mixed-use developments. By signing deals in Casablanca, Morocco, and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the operator is scaling its lifestyle brand footprint across both North and Southern Africa [1], [2].

How is LEVA Hotels establishing its North African footprint?

LEVA Hotels entered North Africa through a management agreement signed with Ismail Oukrid, COO of Ares Invest, Oukrid Family Office, to rebrand the former Washington Hotel in Casablanca [2]. According to Hotels Magazine, the 106-key property located in Casablanca's Mers Sultan district will officially transition to LEVA Casablanca on June 1, 2026 [2]. Originally built in 1953, the modernist landmark sits between the Old Medina and the commercial center [2]. Hotels Magazine reported that the conversion involves a phased refurbishment while the property remains fully operational [2]. The repositioning includes art-inspired interiors, smart technology, co-working lobby lounges, an all-day dining space, and a revitalized eighth-floor panoramic rooftop sky bar, with a gym and spa scheduled for a subsequent phase [2].

What structural model drives the Zimbabwe expansion?

In Southern Africa, LEVA Hotels signed a management agreement with Radar Properties for a greenfield four-star hotel in Bulawayo, marking its fourth signed property in Zimbabwe [1]. Hotels Magazine reported that the 120-key hotel will sit within Kings City, a $1 billion, 2,100-hectare mixed-use urban development located 8 km from Bulawayo's Central Business District along Gwanda Road [1]. The Bulawayo deal follows the group's prior entry into Harare [1]. Facilities planned for the new-build four-star development include an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a spa, and a dedicated conference hall [1].

Why are Casablanca and Bulawayo primary commercial targets?

Both urban hubs offer distinct commercial and leisure demand generators for incoming operators [1], [2]. Casablanca provides commercial connectivity and strong tourism growth, supported by national figures where Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists in 2024 and targets 26 million visitors by 2030 under its 2023–2026 roadmap and co-hosting role for the FIFA World Cup 2030 [2]. Bulawayo serves as Zimbabwe's second-largest city, an industrial center, and the host city for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair [1]. Furthermore, Bulawayo acts as an access point to regional tourism hubs, including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Matobo Hills [1].

How do LEVA's deal structures differ across African subregions?

LEVA applies an asset-light conversion model in mature urban markets while securing greenfield management agreements in emerging Southern African commercial hubs [1], [2]. In Morocco, the brand leverages an existing, operational 1953 building to accelerate market entry and unlock immediate asset value [2]. Conversely, the Zimbabwe strategy relies on integrating into large-scale master-planned communities like Kings City to capture emerging corporate, event, and leisure traffic [1].