Zanzibar’s real estate boom hits new heights

Unguja — The sudden roar of heavy machinery slicing through Paje’s tranquil morning air signals far more than construction commencement. As the long-anticipated Shivo Towers officially breaks ground, this moment marks not merely the rise of a landmark development, but a defining chapter in Zanzibar’s luxury transformation.

As excavators carve the first foundations of what promises to be Zanzibar’s most sophisticated mixed-use tower, and the timing couldn’t be more strategic.

The groundbreaking coincides perfectly with the island’s unveiling of its multi-million dollar, high-performance road network—a sleek infrastructure upgrade designed specifically for Zanzibar’s newest clientele: high-net-worth individuals.

Once known primarily for serene beaches and rich cultural heritage, Zanzibar is experiencing a dramatic repositioning as East Africa’s premier luxury tourism and investment destination.

Thanks to surging modern infrastructure and a flourishing property market, the island now attracts not only discerning tourists but seasoned investors seeking sustainable, high-end developments—with Shivo Towers leading this transformation.

Pioneering Zanzibar’s Skyline

Located in the beachside village of Paje, Shivo Towers is positioned to establish new benchmarks for sustainable real estate development across the region. With a substantial $35 million construction budget, the project masterfully combines forward-thinking design, environmental stewardship, and economic inclusion to deliver a lifestyle offering unmatched anywhere on the island.

“This transcends simply constructing a luxury building,” explains Richard Ashby, CEO of Shivo Tanzania. “We are actively shaping Zanzibar’s skyline future while remaining deeply respectful of the island’s heritage, community, and environment.”

The impressive scope encompasses 165 units spanning 10 floors, featuring luxury residences and commercial spaces with a projected total sales value of $50 million. With pre-sales already exceeding $3,900 per square metre, investor confidence runs exceptionally high—fuelled by Zanzibar’s rapidly growing visibility on the global luxury map.

Real estate meets infrastructure

Shivo Towers’ arrival demonstrates impeccable strategic timing. Zanzibar’s newly completed road network now provides seamless island-wide access, dramatically enhancing connectivity between tourist zones, investment hubs, and residential districts.

This transformative infrastructure—constructed to international standards—represents a true game changer. Luxury vehicles, once exclusive to the mainland or overseas markets, have become commonplace on newly surfaced highways stretching from Stone Town to the East Coast, significantly reducing travel times while elevating the complete experience for high-end travellers and investors.

Combined with the upgraded Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and a revitalized seaport, these strategic investments clearly demonstrate the government’s ambitious vision to establish Zanzibar as a premier global luxury destination.

Sustainability meets sophistication

What truly distinguishes Shivo Towers extends beyond scale or sleek aesthetics—it’s the unwavering commitment to eco-conscious construction and community-driven development.

From solar-ready rooftops to advanced greywater recycling systems and energy-efficient lighting, every detail reflects meticulous sustainability engineering.

The development creates substantial opportunity: over 300 local jobs will emerge during construction alone, with millions flowing into the local economy through wages, material sourcing, and service contracts.

Government benefits prove equally compelling. Shivo Towers is projected to generate $7.5 million in VAT revenue, excluding significant contributions through import duties and long-term property taxes—establishing it among Zanzibar’s highest tax-contributing private developments in history.

Changing Zanzibar

Shivo Towers emerges as Zanzibar reimagines its global positioning. With premium roads threading through palm-lined coastlines and elite residential towers rising above traditional beach communities, a compelling new narrative unfolds—one of prosperity, ambition, and comprehensive transformation.

“We believe this project will catalyse smarter, more sustainable development island-wide,” Ashby observes. “Zanzibar stands ready for global recognition—and Shivo Towers provides that proof.”

As excavators break ground in Paje and construction begins in earnest, Zanzibar’s luxury future transitions from vision to reality—built systematically, floor by floor.