Sofitel has secured a management contract with the Société des Palaces de Cocody (SPDC) - representing the Ivorian state - for the 209-bedroom Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The Accor-owned luxury hotel brand will take control of the property from 1 January 2013, with a transition period to commence on 1 September 2012 to ensure a smooth handover.

Located in the Tour Ivoire, the main building is currently closed for renovation work and is to be brought into line with Sofitel's brand standards over the coming months.

It forms part of Sofitel's wider expansion plans, which will see a total of nine hotels launch this year - including properties in Mumbai, India, and Auckland, New Zealand.

Accor chief operating officer Yann Caillère said: "Emblematic across the entire African continent, the Hotel Ivoire strengthens the presence of the Accor Group in the region.

"Following a successful repositioning in the luxury market, Sofitel now has the necessary prestige to take charge of this establishment and its many possibilities."

Click here for more information about Sofitel's new management contract and click here for more information about Hotel Ivoire.