LIST: Top 10 tallest buildings in Africa named, see where East Africa ranks

Africa’s city ecosystem is attracting billions of dollars in new projects, making them home to some of the world’s glitziest and tallest buildings.

Since the 2000s, skyscrapers have been constructed in many other African cities, including El Alamein, Durban, Cape Town, Maputo, Rabat, Casablanca, Abuja, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Alexandria, Harare, Abidjan, Luanda and Port Louis. The tallest skyscraper is Iconic Tower in New Administrative Capital, Egypt, which is 393.8 meters

This article therefore ranks the tallest buildings on the African continent by height. Initially, only a small number of major financial and commercial centres boasted large skylines, such as Cairo, Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi.

The top 10 tallest buildings in Africa

1. Iconic Tower in Egypt (height 393.8 meters)
2. Great Mosque of Algiers Tower in Algeria (height 264 meters)
3. Mohammed VI Tower in Morocco (height 250 meters)
4. The Leonardo in South Africa (height 234 meters)
5. Carlton Centre in South Africa (height 223 meters)
6. Hassan II Mosque minaret in Morocco (height 210 meters)
7. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters in Ethiopia (height 209.3 meters)
8. Britam Tower in Kenya (height 200.1 meters)
9. New Administrative Capital D01 in Egypt (height 196 meters)
10. New Administrative Capital C01 in Egypt (height 190 meters)

1. The Iconic Tower, Egypt

With its towering height of 385m (compared to the Uganda Revenue Authority headquarters building 100m), the Iconic Tower is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Its sleek, modern design incorporates cutting-edge engineering, symbolising Egypt’s innovative approach to high-rise construction and design aesthetics.

2. Great Mosque of Algiers Tower, Algeria

Standing tall at 264m, this tower merges spiritual significance with an architectural marvel that features intricate designs and modern engineering techniques, creating a landmark that resonates with Algeria’s cultural and contemporary aspirations.

3. Mohammed VI Tower, Rabat, Morocco

Soaring to 250m, the tower showcases a blend of modern architectural elements with traditional Moroccan motifs. Its design is a representation of Morocco’s journey into modern architecture, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

4. The Leonardo, Sandton, South Africa

This 234m structure exemplifies the fusion of luxury and modern architecture. Its innovative design includes state-of-the-art facilities, making it a hallmark of South Africa’s advancement in mixed-use structures.

5. Carlton Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Once the tallest building in Africa at 223m, the Carlton Centre remains a symbol of 1970s modernist architecture. Its design reflects the architectural trends of the time and continues to be a significant landmark in Johannesburg’s skyline.

6. Hassan II Mosque Minaret, Rabat, Morocco

At 210m, this minaret is an architectural marvel, combining traditional Islamic architecture with modern design elements. The intricate details and grandeur of the minaret exemplify Morocco’s architectural heritage and contemporary prowess.

7. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters (CBE) Tower, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The 209.3m tall CBE Tower is a striking example of modern architectural design in Ethiopia. Its sleek glass façade and towering presence reflect Ethiopia’s growth and modernisation in architectural design.

8. Britam Tower, Nairobi, Kenya

Standing at 200.1m, Britam Tower is an epitome of modern architectural elegance. Its unique prismatic shape represents a significant leap in Kenya’s architectural design, emphasising sustainability and aesthetic beauty.

9. New Administrative Capital Building D01, Egypt

This 196m tall building is a showcase of modern architecture in Egypt. Its design emphasises futuristic concepts and innovative construction techniques, setting a new standard for urban development in the country.

10. New Administrative Capital Building C01, Egypt

The 190m building is a part of a visionary project, representing modern architectural trends in Egypt. Its design integrates advanced engineering with aesthetic considerations, symbolising Egypt’s commitment to contemporary urban design and architecture.