Africa's Tallest Buildings: The Leonardo, Carlton Centre, and the Continent's Growing Skylines

Overview of Africa's tallest buildings

Africa's skyline is a blend of historic landmarks and modern megatowers. The continent's tallest building is The Leonardo in Johannesburg, which rises to about 234 meters. The Carlton Centre, also in Johannesburg, stands at 223 meters and has held Africa's height record since the 1970s. Beyond these two, Africa's skyline is evolving as more cities explore taller, mixed-use towers to accommodate growing populations, business activity, and tourism.

The record-holders: The Leonardo and Carlton Centre

The Leonardo (Johannesburg)

Rising to about 234 meters, The Leonardo is widely recognized as Africa's tallest building. Its mixed-use design combines offices, residences, and amenities, reflecting a broader trend toward multi-use towers in modern city centers.

Carlton Centre (Johannesburg)

At 223 meters, the Carlton Centre has anchored Johannesburg's skyline since the 1970s. It remains an enduring symbol of Africa's high-rise era and a fixture in the continent's architectural narrative.

Emerging skylines: Cairo, Lagos, and beyond

Across Africa, cities are pursuing taller, mixed-use towers as urban populations grow and infrastructure improves. These projects signal a shift toward denser skylines, greater vertical diversity, and new architectural identities. The development pace varies by city and country, with planning, financing, and regulatory considerations shaping outcomes.

What’s next for Africa's skyscrapers

• Urban growth and investment are driving interest in taller, mixed-use towers.
• Sustainability, energy efficiency, and resilience are increasingly prioritized in design.
• Regulatory frameworks and access to financing continue to influence how fast new towers rise.
• The continent's skyscraper story remains dynamic, with new contenders challenging existing records in coming years.