Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com)continues to solidify its leadership in Africa’s hospitality landscape, with its top ranking in W Hospitality Group’s (https://W-HospitalityGroup.com) 2024 “From Pipeline to Reality” report for achieving the most hotel openings across the continent within the year. Building on this momentum during the first quarter of 2025, Radisson Hotel Group announces its market entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with two landmark signings, while further strengthening its presence in Central Africa with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé in Cameroon.
With 11 hotel signings and 7 openings over the last 15 months totaling over 2,000 signed and 1,500 opened rooms, 1,000 through conversions, the Group has strengthened its position as the leading hotel company in Africa, with a diverse portfolio of 100 hotels across more than 30 countries. This growth reflects the Group’s focused expansion strategy, strong local partnerships, and continued success in delivering high-impact conversions.
“In line with our global achievements, over the last 15 months, we have achieved remarkable growth across Africa. We expanded into new markets like Tanzania, Conakry, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further cementing our position as the most diverse hotel company across the continent in terms of country presence,” said Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkiye, Radisson Hotel Group. “Our pipeline remained the most active in the industry, driving sustained momentum and once again highlighting the quality of our partners and a clear strategy. Once again, we are proud to see our group leading the rankings in Africa. We celebrate these successes and look forward to unlocking continued economic value across the continent.”
Expanding the Footprint: New Market Entries and Key Openings
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces its entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo with the signing of two landmark properties: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi, further strengthening the Group’s presence in Central Africa.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa – Opening late 2026
Strategically located on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, Kinshasa’s prime residential and business area, this upper-upscale hotel will feature 110 elegantly designed rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and a Presidential Suite. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and Pool Bar. The hotel’s wellness facilities will include a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool with a pool terrace. Its modern meeting and event spaces will feature an event hall and pre-function area, ideal for both corporate and social gatherings. The hotel is conveniently situated 32 km from N’djili International Airport, 10 km from N’Dolo Airport, and 6 km from the Gare Centrale train station.
Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi – Opening mid-2027
Located on Revolution Road Avenue in Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC, this upscale hotel will offer 97 stylish guest rooms, including standard rooms, junior suites, and a Presidential Suite. Culinary offerings will include a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and a Rooftop Bar & Grill with panoramic city views. The hotel’s meetings and events facilities will comprise three flexible meeting rooms and a dedicated pre-function area. Guests will also have access to a well-equipped gym and a swimming pool. The hotel enjoys a prime location near Kipopo Lake, surrounded by luxury residences and notable landmarks such as Lubumbashi Golf Club and La Plage, and is just 12 km from Luano International Airport.
In Guinea, the Group marked a significant milestone with the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry (apo-opa.co/3S5KC5S), just three months after signing. This contemporary beachfront property, located in the city’s vibrant Kipé neighborhood, features 282 stylish rooms, suites, and apartments with sweeping ocean views and convenient access to the city’s key business and leisure hubs.
Further strengthening its Indian Ocean portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group signed and opened Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, a member of Radisson Individuals (apo-opa.co/4dlCM1x). Located on the east coast of Mauritius, the resort features 234 spacious accommodations, family-friendly amenities, and breathtaking lagoon views, making it a sought-after destination for travelers of all types.
“We’ve had a successful track record over the past 15 months with our focus on conversions, including Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, and Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis(apo-opa.co/4koQYJF)—all fantastic hotels that have further elevated our portfolio in Africa,” added Rankoussi.
Strengthening Strategic Markets and Future Pipeline
In Cameroon, Radisson Hotel Group continues to strengthen its presence with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, this 150-room property will be ideally located in the heart of the capital’s central business district, just a 30-minute drive from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport.
The hotel will feature a vibrant selection of dining venues, including a Lobby Bar, All-Day Dining Restaurant, and a Specialty Restaurant. With 1,350 m² of flexible meetings and events space, as well as premium wellness facilities, including a spa, gym, and a rooftop pool with an expansive pool deck, the hotel is set to become a landmark destination in the city. This signing also reinforces the Group’s continued pursuit of growth opportunities across Cameroon, including in the key market of Douala.
Meanwhile, Radisson Hotel Group is also deepening its commitment to key markets across the continent:
- Morocco: Targeting 30 hotels by 2030, building on an already robust development pipeline.
- South Africa: Aiming for 25 hotels by 2030, doubling its current footprint.
- Nigeria: Continuing its growth momentum with multiple developments, alongside strengthening the Group’s West Africa presence with its entry into DRC.
“While geographical diversification remains a priority for us, we also see a clear opportunity to consolidate our presence across key markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, each with at least one opening scheduled in 2025. Our results reinforce our brand strength and ability to adapt and grow across diverse markets. We remain committed to expanding our footprint while delivering world-class hospitality experiences across Africa,” concluded Rankoussi.
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
