In my experience. I spend a lot of time in Zimbabwe and there is a Holiday Inn Express, Two Holiday Inns and a Crowne Plaza. I spend a lot of time at the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza for leisure and business. As such status here is of no consequence as there is a relationship with the property managers. Early check in / out. There is no other major hotel brand with a program here, SPG pulled out years ago. No hilton, marriot etc. That said if I was offered lifetime status would say no thanks. What I do want is the points for the free nights and a card to charge things to for more points!