Hass, Chinese firm sign deal to build Africa’s tallest tower

Hass Petroleum Group has signed a Sh20 billion deal with a Chinese firm to build a 70-storey building in Nairobi, which is primed to become the tallest skyscraper in Africa.

The regional oil marketing giant on Thursday disclosed that it had hired China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to set up its mixed-use development in Nairobi’s Upper Hill district, pushing forward a project that is set to add colour to the city’s fast changing skyline.

The deal, which was signed in Beijing on February 28, will involve construction of a twin-tower complex to be known as Hass Towers – comprising a 5-star Hilton hotel and a 300 metres high office block that will overtake the 223 metres tall Carlton Centre in Johannesburg as Africa’s tallest building.

Hass Group Chairman Abdinassir Ali Hassan described the signing of the deal as an ‘historic’ event and congratulated CSCEC on winning the pact after a long negotiation and tender process.

“They (CSCEC) went through a rigorous tender system which they won over ten international companies including European, Turkish as well as other Chinese competitors,” Mr Hassan said.

Li Mingguang, Vice President of CSCEC Overseas Operations, said his company was honoured to be chosen as the main contractor for the “grand project”.

“This will be the tallest building in Africa and a landmark in Kenya. It is sure to drive regional development, promote economic growth, and attract more investment into Kenya,” he said.

Although site excavation is already underway, the project is set for official groundbreaking next month.

Hass Group has teamed up with Dubai-based investment firm White Lotus Group to undertake the project which is tipped to be the 50th Hilton outlet in Africa on completion in 2020.

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