Zanzibar is set to build Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and what will be the East African region’s largest hotel.
According to a number of news reports, Zanzibar has inked a deal for a major development that will see the construction of Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and East Africa’s largest hotel built at a cost of $1.3 billion.
The Zanzibar Domino Commercial Tower project will be home to a man-made island and come complete with a marina where cruise ships and yachts can dock.
In addition, the development will have several luxury hotels, resorts, apartments, a golf course and a wedding chapel.
The project is a joint venture between AICL Group in Tanzania and Crowland Management. A contract has been signed with architect xCassia, which has been tasked with the design of what will be the tallest building in East, Central and Southern Africa.
Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga was quoted as saying that the project was a major step towards building the island nation’s blue economy.
“Its implementation supports the government’s efforts in inviting more local and foreign investors to the isles,” he said.
The estimated timeline for the project’s completion date is in four years. When complete, the tower will be 300m, surpassing the 228m Leonardo development in Sandton, South Africa. It will be rivalled by the Iconic Tower in Cairo, Egypt, which is expected to stretch into the sky at a height of 385m when complete in 2022.
Inspired design
The entire development has been planned over three sites that will be linked by both high and low bridge structures. The Arrivals Plaza, Zanzibar Domino and Island Resort will reportedly each have unique identities.
Guests will enter the property from the Arrivals Plaza. The Zanzibar Domino Bridge will form the backbone of all transport and services.
The Zanzibar Domino will be located 1.5km off the island’s main road, radiating out 250m to incorporate the marina.
The tower itself will comprise 560 apartments across two residences while five and six-star hotel apartments will add another 360 rooms. The resorts and wedding chapel will be accessible privately by helicopter, boat or bridge.
