Inside Sh32 billion project seeking to blend Zanzibar's contemporary lifestyle with cultural outlook

Demand for high-quality property in Zanzibar has grown steadily in recent years, driven by tourism expansion, infrastructure improvements and increasing international interest in coastal living destinations.

As Zanzibar steps up its plan to become the ultimate tourist attraction destination in East Africa, investors have stepped in to change the face of the hub as they seek to blend a contemporary lifestyle with the unique cultural outlook.

Infinity Developments, a member of the Infinity Group, has now kicked off a Sh32 billion ($250 million) high-end residential project in the historic island, attracting international attention, both for its economic potential and for its implications for urban growth and heritage conservation.

The residential and mixed-use project known as Infinity Hills is designed to introduce a new model of contemporary urban living on the Indian Ocean archipelago. It will rise in Kikwajuni near Stone Town, combining large-scale residential construction with commercial space, lifestyle amenities and landscaped public areas.

The project marks one of the most significant real estate investments in Zanzibar in recent years, reflecting the island’s growing appeal as both a residential destination and an international investment hub.

The new model is envisioned as a master-planned community designed to integrate modern urban convenience with the coastal environment that defines the region. The project will comprise 1,112 apartments — including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units — alongside retail outlets, office spaces and recreational facilities.

According to the developer, the aim is to create a self-contained residential environment where daily needs, social spaces and commercial services coexist within a walkable neighbourhood.

Planned amenities include landscaped gardens, a community swimming pool, cafés, kiosks and a children’s play area, as well as open spaces intended to encourage social interaction and outdoor living.

Chairman and chief executive Samuel Saba described the project as part of a broader strategy to shape high-quality, future-ready communities on the islands.

“Infinity Hills is a visionary residential community designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort, convenience and modern elegance,” he said, adding that the development seeks to complement Zanzibar’s cultural identity while delivering contemporary lifestyle standards.

Its location places residents within walking distance of the beach and next to a landscaped public park, while also providing close access to key social infrastructure. Nearby facilities include GEMS Zanzibar International School and major healthcare services, positioning the project as suitable for both families and long-term residents.

Integrated commercial and lifestyle spaces

A defining feature of the project is the integration of residential, commercial and leisure functions into a single environment. The development will sit close to a planned commercial complex that will host retail outlets, restaurants and office spaces, forming what the developer describes as a local economic hub.

This integrated approach reflects a broader global trend toward mixed-use urban planning, where housing, work and recreation are combined to reduce commuting distances and enhance quality of life. In emerging real estate markets, such developments are increasingly seen as catalysts for local economic activity, job creation and infrastructure growth.

Mr Saba said the commercial components will help transform the area into a vibrant centre serving not only residents but also the surrounding community.

“We have designed Infinity Hills to integrate homes, business and lifestyle amenities within one cohesive environment,” he said. “This enhances convenience for residents while creating a dynamic economic space that benefits the wider community.”

Growing international investment interest

Beyond its residential and urban planning ambitions, the project is also being positioned as a significant investment opportunity. Demand for high-quality property in Zanzibar has grown steadily in recent years, driven by tourism expansion, infrastructure improvements and increasing international interest in coastal living destinations.

Infinity Developments says the project offers several features attractive to international investors, including its proximity to the historic core of the island, access to large public green spaces and beachfront areas, and eligibility for foreign property ownership. Buyers will also have access to professionally managed rental services, aimed at simplifying property management for overseas investors.

The developer projects strong rental yields and long-term capital appreciation, citing the limited supply of large-scale modern residential developments in prime locations on the islands.

“With premium amenities and a strategic location, this project redefines luxury living in Zanzibar,” Mr Saba said, adding that the company expects the development to set new standards for residential property in the region.

Balancing development and heritage

The launch comes as Zanzibar continues to balance economic growth with the preservation of its unique cultural and historical identity. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive architecture and rich trading history, remains the symbolic and economic heart of the islands.

Large-scale developments near the historic centre therefore attract international attention, both for their economic potential and for their implications for urban growth and heritage conservation. Developers increasingly emphasise sustainability, architectural sensitivity and environmental integration in response to these concerns.

Infinity Developments says its approach combines architectural quality with environmental planning and long-term sustainability principles, reflecting a broader effort to align new construction with the island’s cultural and natural landscape.

With regulatory approvals finalised, the project now moves into its construction phase. The company says years of planning, design and regulatory coordination have gone into preparing the development, and it expects Infinity Hills to become a defining feature of Zanzibar’s evolving urban profile.

“Our team has worked with passion and dedication to bring this vision to life,” Mr Saba said. “We are confident the project will exceed expectations and establish a new benchmark for residential living on the islands.”

As Zanzibar continues to expand its global profile — not only as a tourism destination but also as a place to live, work and invest — developments such as Infinity Hills signal a shift toward more structured, integrated and internationally oriented urban growth.

For global investors, urban planners and regional development observers alike, the project represents both a symbol of economic momentum and a test of how modern development can coexist with one of East Africa’s most historically distinctive environments.