DUBAI, U.A.E and MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton Worldwide is set to increase its presence in Africa after signing a management agreement with Cape Sierra Hotel Company Ltd to develop the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Sierra Leone.

The new property, Hilton Freetown Cape Sierra, will be located in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital and the economic and financial heartland of the country.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide said: “Hilton Worldwide has enjoyed a presence in Africa for more than 50 years and our commitment to the continent remains as solid as ever. We have opened five hotels in Africa already this year and we’re confident Hilton Freetown Cape Sierra will prove to be an important addition to our growing portfolio.”

The new property will be prominently located in Aberdeen, Freetown, overlooking the local coastline, which includes one of the largest natural harbours in the world.  The hotel will have 200 rooms, including 60 executive standard rooms and 20 suites and feature a business centre, health club, outdoor pool and five restaurants and bars. The hotel is due to open in 2014.

Dave Horton, global head for Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “For generations Hilton has led the way into emerging markets. Our brand enjoys a pioneering reputation for successfully establishing hotels in new and diverse markets. Today’s signing is a true reflection of this spirit and we look forward to bringing our first class facilities and service to Sierra Leone.”

Sierra Leone’s emerging market economy is experiencing year-on-year growth as investment in the minerals and energy sectors drives business confidence.

Keith Aki-Sawyerr, managing director of Cape Sierra Hotel Co Ltd said: “As commercial interests in the country grow, there is a requirement for more top quality hotels to meet the needs of the growing numbers of overseas visitors. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the ideal partner to provide the standards and strong brand needed to ensure we develop the leading hotel in the city.”

The signing of Hilton Freetown Cape Sierra is the second signing the company has made in Africa this month, following shortly after Hilton D’Njamena, Chad.  Hilton Worldwide currently has 34 hotels across the continent of Africa with another eight in the development pipeline. So far this year, Hilton Worldwide has opened eight hotels and signed 14 management agreements across the Middle East and Africa. View the Hilton Hotels & Resorts development pipeline map and preview upcoming openings at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/openings.