Africa’s real estate sector is booming. It has towering skyscrapers that redefine the city skylines across the continent.
Initially, the prominent skylines existed only in major financial and commercial hubs, like Cairo, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Nairobi, had prominent skylines. However, since the 2000s, skyscrapers have been rising in many other African cities, transforming urban landscapes across the continent.
As of 2025, the Iconic Tower in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital holds the title of the tallest building in Africa, standing at an impressive 385 meters.
There are other notable skyscrapers. This includes the Mohammed VI Tower in Morocco, the Leonardo in South Africa, and the Carlton Centre. They held the title of Africa’s tallest for decades.
This week, another milestone was reached in West Africa’s skyline transformation as the foundation for what will become the region’s tallest building, a 40-story skyscraper, was laid in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. These structures represent Africa’s growing real estate market which attracts investors and businesses.
Here is an overview of the top 10 buildings in Africa (city-wise)
1. Iconic Tower, Cairo
The Iconic Tower is a mixed-use supertall skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. With a total structural height of almost 400 metres (1,292 ft), it is both the tallest building and the tallest structure in Africa. It has 77 floors, mostly for office use, and is one of 20 towers being built as part of the central business district in the new capital city.
2. Djamaa el Djazair, Algiers
Also known as Djamaa El Djazair, the Great Mosque of Algiers is the third-largest mosque in the world and the tallest in Africa. Located on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast, it features a prayer hall (salat) with an area of 22,000 m2 (240,000 sq ft),[5] capable of accommodating 120,000 worshippers.
3. Mohammed VI Tower, Rabat
The Mohammed VI Tower is a 55-storey, 250-metre (820 ft) skyscraper in the city of Salé, bordering Rabat, the capital of Morocco. It is the tallest building in Morocco and the third tallest in Africa. It is a project by the Moroccan businessman Othman Benjelloun and led by the company O’Tower.
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4. The Leonardo, Johannesburg
The Leonardo is the tallest building in South Africa, situated in Johannesburg’s Sandton district. This mixed-use skyscraper includes luxury apartments, offices, a hotel, and fine dining. It is a symbol of modern African architecture. It offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
5. Carlton Centre, Johannesburg
The Carlton Centre, at 732 ft, was Africa’s tallest building for decades until recent developments. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, it serves as a commercial hub with retail spaces, offices, and observation decks. Opened in 1973, it remains an iconic part of the city’s business district.
6. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
The Hassan II Mosque is a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 14th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s second-tallest minaret at 210 metres (699 ft).
7. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters is a skyscraper in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that was completed on 13 February 2022 and became the tallest building in Ethiopia. It serves as the headquarters of the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the country’s largest bank. It is also the tallest building in all of East Africa.
8. Alamein Downtown Towers D01 Tower 1, New Alamein City
The Alamein Downtown Towers project consists of four identical skyscrapers that contribute to the modern skyline of New Alamein City, Egypt. These high-rise towers feature a mix of luxury residential spaces, office areas, and retail outlets, enhancing the city’s appeal as a global business and tourism destination.
9. Britam Tower, Nairobi
Britam Tower, a 200-meter-tall office complex in Upper Hill, Nairobi, was officially opened to the public in July 2018, overtaking UAP Old Mutual Tower as the tallest building in Kenya. The 31-storey tower, whose construction started in early 2013 and ended in September 2017, boasts a unique prismatic design.
10. CBE Headquarters, Addis Ababa
The topping out of the 198-metre Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Tower in Addis Ababa has gifted Ethiopia its newest and tallest building, ending the reign of the AU Conference Center and Office Complex. The 46-storey CBE Tower, which is under construction near the Ethiopia Hotel off Ras Desta Damtew Street, is a 150,000-sq m skyscraper that will serve as the headquarters of the state-owned bank.
