Tanzania has revealed plans to build Africa’s second-tallest building, called Zanzibar Domino Tower, on the autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, a 70-story spiraling tower intended to help draw tourists back to the area after COVID decimated the local economy. The New York Dubai-based architecture and interiors firm xCassia signed an agreement with Tanzania’s AICL Group and Edinburgh’s Crowland Management Ltd to design the forthcoming Zanzibar Domino Commercial Tower.

The massive 370,000 sqm mixed-use development will reportedly become the second tallest building in Africa and the biggest hotel in the east and central Africa. The project takes design inspiration from the shape of stacked dominos and is composed of 360 ‘keys’ that rise toward an observation platform at the top.

Zanzibar Domino Tower would contain 560 residential apartments and two luxury hotels all within 360 “dominos” that would encircle a marina

Crowland Management Ltd CEO Emmanuel Umoh told The Citizen that “the tower is expected to be an iconic feature that will facilitate tourism and culture and offer business opportunities.” “The Zanzibar Domino is a unique project which is exceptionally well-suited to our investment philosophy of providing our investors with superior returns through exceptional schemes as well as strategic socio-economic projects that leverage prosperity, people, and the planet,” he added.

Envisioned as an emblematic tourist destination, the development will be realized on a 20-hectare, 4 km-long sites. The extensive masterplan comprises leisure, entertainment, retail, and residential programs with notable features including an island resort complete with a golf course, and a wedding chapel on a private islet. The tower will house 560 residential units and 5 and 6 star hotel and spa facilities.