Top 10 Tallest Buildings in East Africa

East Africa’s skyline is rising rapidly, led by the towering high-rises of Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kigali, reflecting the region’s economic growth and urban ambition.

Beyond their height, they stand as landmarks of progress, shaping cityscapes and signalling East Africa’s evolving role in Africa’s urban and economic development.

Here are the top 10 tallest buildings in East Africa:

1. CBE Headquarters, Addis Ababa

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters is a 209‑metre, 53‑storey skyscraper in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. Completed in February 2022, it is the tallest building in East Africa. 

The modern office tower serves as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and stands as a symbol of the country’s economic growth and urban development. 

Height: 209.3 metres

Floors: 53 above ground

2. Britam Tower, Nairobi

Britam Tower, a 200-metre-tall office complex in Upper Hill, Nairobi, was officially opened to the public in July 2018, overtaking UAP Old Mutual Tower as the tallest building in Kenya.

The 32-storey tower, whose construction started in early 2013 and ended in September 2017, boasts a unique prism design. At its widest, the building looks like a black pyramid with the top corner missing, and from other views, it becomes a more slender black prism.

In 2018, Britam Tower became the first African building to be featured in the Emporis Skyscrapers Award’s 19-year history, ranking 10th among the world’s best skyscrapers.

Height: 200.1 metres

Floors: 32 above ground

3. GTC Office Tower, Nairobi

GTC Office Tower is a 184‑metre, 42‑storey tower in Westlands, Nairobi. Part of the Global Trade Centre, it was completed in 2022 becoming one of East Africa’s tallest office buildings. 

RELATED: Top 10 Tallest Buildings in West Africa

Designed with a modern glass façade and state‑of‑the‑art amenities, the tower hosts premium office space and commands a prominent position on Nairobi’s fast-changing skyline.

Height: 184 metres

Floors: 42 above ground

4. UAP Old Mutual Tower, Nairobi

UAP Old Mutual Tower is a 163‑metre, 33‑storey office skyscraper located in the Upper Hill neighbourhood of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city. 

Completed in 2016, it briefly held the title of Kenya’s tallest building upon opening before being surpassed by Britam Tower and GTC Office Tower. 

Designed with modern office and retail space, the tower remains a prominent feature of Nairobi’s rapidly evolving skyline and commercial landscape. 

Height: 163 metres

Floors: 33 above ground

5. PPF Headquarters, Dar es Salaam

PPF Headquarters is a 160‑metre, 37‑storey office skyscraper on Sam Nujoma Road in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Completed in 2019, it is the tallest building in Tanzania.

RELATED: 10 Tallest Buildings in Africa

The modern high‑rise serves as the headquarters of the Parastatal Pensions Fund (PPF) and stands as a prominent feature of Dar es Salaam’s skyline and commercial district. 

Height: 160 metres

Floors: 37 above ground

6. Tanzania Ports Authority Tower, Dar es Salaam

Tanzania Ports Authority Tower is a 157‑metre, 40‑storey office skyscraper located on Sokoine Drive in Dar es Salaam and commercial hub. 

Completed in 2016, it serves as the headquarters of the Tanzania Ports Authority and was one of the country’s tallest buildings at the time of its completion. 

The tower’s modern design and prominent location overlooking the port area make it a key landmark in Dar es Salaam’s skyline. 

Height: 157 metres

Floors: 40 above ground

7. NSSF Pension Towers, Kampala

NSSF Pension Towers is a 155‑metre, 32‑storey commercial skyscraper complex under construction on Lumumba Avenue in Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. 

The development, led by the National Social Security Fund (Uganda), consists of three interconnected towers and, when completed, is expected to become the tallest buildings in Uganda, adding significant modern office and retail space to the city’s skyline. 

Completion is expected in 2026. 

Height: 155 metres

Floors: 32 above ground

8. PSPF Commercial Towers A & B, Dar es Salaam

PSPF Commercial Towers A and B are twin 152.7‑metre, 35‑storey offices in Dar es Salaam. 

Completed in 2014, the twin towers were among the tallest buildings in the country at the time of their opening and remain key features of the city’s skyline. 

They house office space and retail areas and symbolise Dar es Salaam’s growing role as a regional business centre. 

Height: 152.7 metres

Floors: 35 above ground (each)

RELATED: Top 10 Tallest Buildings in South Africa

9. Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Square, Dar es Salaam

Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Square is a 145‑metre, 31‑storey mixed‑use skyscraper located on Zanaki Street in Dar es Salaam. 

Completed in 2019, the tower includes office space, commercial areas and a five‑star hotel, and is also known as Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam. 

Its name honours the legacy of Tanzania’s founding leader, Julius Nyerere, and it remains a prominent feature of the city’s rapidly evolving skyline.

Height: 145 metres

Floors: 31 above ground

10. Nairobi GTC Hotel Tower, Nairobi

Nairobi GTC Hotel Tower is a 143‑metre, 35‑storey skyscraper in Westlands, Nairobi. It forms part of the GTC complex and houses the JW Marriott Hotel. 

Completed in 2022, the tower’s design and height make it an iconic high‑rise. It adds to Nairobi’s dynamic skyline and reinforces its growing appeal as a regional hub for business and tourism.

Height: 143 metres

Floors: 35 above ground

Join 15,000+ pros getting our weekly digest of news and insights.