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Hyatt Regency to Debut in Zambia with Major Rebranding of Lusaka’s Iconic Pamodzi Hotel Hyatt Regency to Debut in Zambia with Major Rebranding of Lusaka’s Iconic Pamodzi Hotel

The Zambian hospitality landscape is set for a transformative leap as Hyatt announces the arrival of its flagship Hyatt Regency brand in Lusaka. In a landmark agreement, a Hyatt affiliate has partnered with ASB Hotel Properties and Albwardy Investments (Pamodzi Hotels PLC) to rebrand the renowned Pamodzi Hotel as Hyatt Regency Lusaka The Pamodzi. This move marks the first Hyatt-branded property in Zambia and signals a new era of international recognition for one of Southern Africa’s fastest-growing capitals.

Currently operating as The Pamodzi Hotel, the property will undergo an extensive renovation while remaining open to guests. The ambitious refurbishment is scheduled for completion in 2026, at which point the hotel will officially reopen under the Hyatt Regency banner. This strategic rebranding is designed to elevate the property into a world-class destination for both business and leisure travellers, reflecting Albwardy Investments’ ongoing commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector and to creating exceptional guest experiences in markets with strong growth potential [[3]](https://africa24tv.com/hyatt-announces-plans-for-hyatt-regency-brand-in-zambia).

Upon reopening, Hyatt Regency Lusaka The Pamodzi will offer 170 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, each featuring contemporary décor and thoughtful design to ensure a premium stay. The hotel’s facilities will include versatile meeting and event spaces, catering to everything from large-scale conferences to intimate gatherings. Its prime location places guests near Lusaka’s key business district and major tourist attractions, such as the Lusaka National Museum, which showcases Zambian history, culture, and art. For those seeking adventure, the property is just a 30-minute drive from wildlife experiences like Lusaka National Park and the Elephant Orphanage Project (Game Rangers International).

World of Hyatt members will benefit from the brand’s global loyalty programme, with the ability to earn and redeem points and tier-qualifying night credits at the new Lusaka property. This expansion not only enhances Hyatt’s footprint in Africa but also provides more options for international and regional travellers seeking trusted, high-quality accommodation in Zambia.

Stephen Ansell, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Hyatt, described the signing as a “fantastic milestone” in the group’s African growth strategy. “This signing is a fantastic milestone as we continue growing our brands in Africa, showcasing our commitment to enhancing our brand presence in the region and expanding our Classics Portfolio in new destinations,” Ansell stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Ali Albwardy, Chairman of Albwardy Investments, highlighted the significance of the project: “The Pamodzi Hotel has long been a landmark in Lusaka, and through this renovation and rebranding, we aim to elevate it into a world-class destination for both business and leisure travelers. This project reflects Albwardy Investments’ continued commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector and to creating exceptional guest experiences in markets with strong growth potential.”.

The arrival of the Hyatt Regency brand in Lusaka is expected to have a ripple effect across Zambia’s tourism and business sectors. The hotel’s enhanced facilities and international branding will attract a broader spectrum of guests, from corporate travellers attending conferences to tourists exploring the city’s cultural and natural attractions. The move also aligns with Zambia’s ambitions to position Lusaka as a regional hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), further boosting the city’s profile on the continental stage.

For Africa’s travel sector, this development is a clear signal of renewed investor confidence and the growing appeal of the continent’s urban destinations. The partnership between Hyatt, ASB Hotel Properties, and Albwardy Investments demonstrates the value of cross-border collaboration in unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation in African hospitality.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the transformation of The Pamodzi Hotel into Hyatt Regency Lusaka The Pamodzi is set to redefine luxury and service standards in Zambia. Travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa should watch closely as this project unfolds, as it promises to set new benchmarks for guest experience, operational excellence, and international connectivity in the region.