Africa’s real estate sector is booming, with towering skyscrapers redefining city skylines across the continent.
Initially, only a few 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.
Other notable skyscrapers include the Mohammed VI Tower in Morocco, The Leonardo in South Africa, and the Carlton Centre, which 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, attracting investors and businesses.
Below is a list of the tallest buildings in Africa as of 2025:
1) Iconic Tower (1,292 ft)
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 Djazaïr (867 ft)
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 (820 ft)
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.
4) The Leonardo (768 ft)
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, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
5) Carlton Centre (732 ft)
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 (690 ft)
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 (687 ft)
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 also is the tallest building in all of East Africa.
8) Alamein Downtown Towers D01 Tower 1 (682 ft)
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.
Designed with contemporary architecture and cutting-edge amenities, they symbolize Egypt’s ambition to develop New Alamein into a vibrant urban hub along the Mediterranean coast.
