Minor Hotel Group (MHG) has announced a long term strategic partnership with Rani Investment LLC, the owner of high end resorts across Africa.

The groups have formed a joint venture company for ownership of Indigo Bay Resort & Spa in Mozambique, with plans for further expansion in Africa. Located on Bazaruto Island, 30km off the east coast of the country, Indigo Bay is a five star 44-villa resort, and will be re-branded to Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa later this year and managed by Minor Hotel Group.

The new partnership will explore more opportunities in Mozambique, including in the capital Maputo, and in the East Africa market. These properties will be a mix of new-build and re-brand and will be flagged with MHG’s hotel brands, including Anantara, the AVANI, and the serviced apartment Oaks brand which is expanding into Asia and the Middle East.

Dubai-based Rani Investment is the investment arm of Aujan Group Holding with more than US$300m (€224m, £193m)of dedicated investments in the Middle East and Africa. The group first established its presence in 1999 under the Rani Resorts name.