Commercial Projects

Hass, Chinese Firm Sign Deal to Build Africa’s Tallest Tower

Hass Towers in Upper Hill will consist of a 5-star Hilton hotel and a 300 metres high office block.

Updated on

March 10, 2017

Hass Tower Nairobi — The landmark deal was signed in Beijing, China, on February 28. PHOTO | COURTESY

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 Upper Hill, pushing forward a project that is set to add colour to the city’s fast-changing skyline.

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

Hass Chairman Abdinassir Ali Hassan described the signing of the deal as a ‘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,” he 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 underway, the official groundbreaking will take place next month.

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