The Burj Zanzibar project, an ambitious 28-storey apartment tower designed using cutting-edge hybrid timber technology, is poised to become the tallest green building in the world. At 96 meters, this striking high-rise, developed by the German-led engineering firm CPS, represents the pinnacle of sustainable construction and urban development. Giving Zanzibar yet another first.
However, Burj Zanzibar is not just about architectural innovation—it is a transformative project that aims to reshape both the local economy and the way the world views sustainable urban living.
Mr Sebastian Dietzold, Chief Executive Officer of CPS, is the visionary behind this groundbreaking project, whose engineering firm is focused on innovative, environmentally conscious solutions, has been instrumental in the conceptualization and execution of Burj Zanzibar.
In an exclusive interview, with ZiBi Magazine Mr Dietzold shared his vision for the project, the technological advancements behind the building, and the profound impact he hopes the development will have on Zanzibar and the broader global construction industry.
Burj Zanzibar is poised to become the tallest green building in the world at 96 meters.
Sebastian Dietzold
A leap into the future of green architecture The Burj Zanzibar’s design is a bold step forward in sustainable construction. One of the most notable aspects of this building is its use of hybrid timber technology which combines wood. This technology is lauded for being far more eco-friendly than traditional building methods, with significantly reduced carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
As a result, Burj Zanzibar is set to serve as a beacon of green architecture in the heart of Zanzibar, showcasing how modern cities can incorporate eco-conscious practices into their infrastructure.
According to Dietzold, the use of hybrid timber is central to the project’s sustainable mission. “We are creating something that has never been done before on this scale. Hybrid timber technology is the future of sustainable building, and Burj Zanzibar will be a showcase of how it’s done right. It’s about reducing the carbon footprint and demonstrating that we don’t have to choose between growth and sustainability.” Dietzold explains with palpable enthusiasm.
Timber, traditionally used in smaller, residential buildings, has been underutilized in high-rise construction due to perceptions about its structural integrity. However, modern advances in hybrid timber technology have made it possible to build towering structures that are just as strong and durable as those built with concrete or steel.
Mr Dietzold sees this as a critical moment in the construction industry, where new building materials can be harnessed to address the pressing issues of climate change and resource depletion.
Using timber helps reduce the carbon footprint of a building significantly – Dietzold notes.
“Timber is a renewable resource. In a time when we’re all trying to figure out how to build sustainably, hybrid timber is a game-changer. We’ve been able to design a building that’s not only green but also economically viable. Beyond the environmental benefits of hybrid timber, the Burj Zanzibar project also aims to positively influence the way urban spaces are constructed,” boots his expert voice.
By integrating green building technology into the urban landscape, Burj Zanzibar challenges the notion that sustainability and modernity are mutually exclusive. Instead, it demonstrates that sustainable architecture can lead to thriving, cutting-edge urban environments.
Empowering local communities through development
While the Burj Zanzibar project will undoubtedly make a splash in global architecture circles, Mr Dietzold’s vision for the tower goes beyond its architectural design. He is equally focused on empowering local communities and contributing to the long-term development of Zanzibar’s economy.
“Our target is, I’m very honest about that, is that we are working very hard with our team, training people, educating people,” Dietzold explains, speaking about his firm’s commitment to local capacity building. “We want to leave behind a very strong Tanzanian, Zanzibari developers, professional developers, with a management structure that doesn’t depend on the family office. That basically will be managed by Tanzanians, Zanzibaris, and has the experience and the capability to service a global market.”
We want to leave behind a very strong Tanzanian, Zanzibari developers
Sebastian Dietzold
Mr Dietzold’s commitment to building local expertise is clear. Rather than relying on external contractors or foreign expertise, he is determined to create a sustainable and self-sufficient local development industry that will continue to thrive long after Burj Zanzibar’s completion.
In fact, Mr Dietzold spends approximately 60% of his time training and supporting the CPS team in Zanzibar, ensuring they are equipped with the skills necessary to manage the project and future developments. “ Training is my work. It’s not just about construction; it’s about building people. The majority of our effort goes into building strong teams capable of managing the projects of the future,” Dietzold says.
This philosophy of empowerment extends to every aspect of the Burj Zanzibar project, from the building’s design to the day-to- day operations of the construction process. By investing in the development of local talent, Mr Dietzold is helping to lay the groundwork for a thriving construction industry in Zanzibar.
The Economic Impact: Job creation and investment in Zanzibar’s future
One of the most tangible benefits of the Burj Zanzibar project is the potential for economic growth and job creation. Mr Dietzold projects that, by 2028, the CPS team will have invested $60–70 million annually into the Zanzibar project, directly creating 1,000 jobs.
These jobs will span across a variety of industries, from construction and engineering to hospitality and retail, providing a substantial boost to Zanzibar’s economy. “By 2028, we expect to have invested significantly, and with that investment, we will create jobs. We are already adding around 200 jobs per year. I believe that by the end of this project, we’ll have created 1,000 direct jobs, which will be a lasting impact on the local economy,” Dietzold says, noting that job creation will be an ongoing priority for the project.
However, Dietzold is keen to emphasize that the benefits of Burj Zanzibar will not be limited to job creation alone. The project also seeks to stimulate Zanzibar’s broader economy by supporting local businesses.
CPS has made a concerted effort to source at least 60-70% of the materials and services used in the construction of Burj Zanzibar from local suppliers and artisans. "Local artisans, suppliers, and businesses contribute at least 60% to our work. All the basic materials are from here. This is about supporting the local economy and creating a lasting partnership with the people of Zanzibar,” he asserts.
By using local resources, the Burj Zanzibar project is not only creating employment opportunities but also promoting a culture of collaboration between local businesses and international developers. Furthermore, Dietzold and his team have gone beyond mere economic contributions, actively supporting Zanzibar’s cultural development. As part of their commitment to the local community, CPS has funded the construction of a fish market for fishermen and is sponsoring one of the largest cultural events in Zanzibar, the Sauti za Busara music festival.
“We are strongly promoting cooperation with local communities. For example, we’re building a fish market for fishermen here, and we’re supporting one of the biggest Zanzibar music festivals, the Sauti za Busara. This is part of our commitment to safeguarding Zanzibar’s culture and promoting its uniqueness,” Dietzold explains.
By tying their business objectives to local development, Dietzold and CPS are building a foundation for sustainable growth that balances economic, social, and environmental needs and getting closer to the heart beat of Zanzibar.
Navigating the Challenges: Legal Gaps and Infrastructure Obstacles
Despite the project’s promise, Burj Zanzibar has faced significant challenges—particularly in navigating the complex legal and regulatory environment in Zanzibar. According to Dietzold, the lack of clear regulations for large-scale developments has been one of the most significant barriers to progress.
“Strangely for projects of this size and style, there are no regulations in place. There are a lot of legal gaps and loopholes. Nobody has done a project like this before. So we are sitting with big law firms developing these regulations. But unfortunately, our counterparts in the government are completely missing in this process,’ he laments.
However, Dietzold remains optimistic about overcoming these obstacles. He believes that Burj Zanzibar can serve as a catalyst for broader regulatory reform, helping to establish clearer rules and guidelines for future developments in Zanzibar.
“We are working to close these gaps. The government and the private sector need to work together to build a sustainable legal and regulatory environment for projects like this. It’s a long road, but we believe Burj Zanzibar can be a catalyst for change,” he says confidently.
The lack of infrastructure in Zanzibar is another challenge the project must overcome. Dietzold acknowledges that transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure are often lacking in developing regions, which can complicate construction efforts. Nevertheless, CPS is determined to push forward and work with local authorities to improve the necessary infrastructure.
Global Attention: Attracting clients and international recognition.
The Burj Zanzibar project has already attracted attention from around the globe. Dietzold is proud to report that potential clients from 71 countries have expressed interest in purchasing apartments in the building. The project’s international appeal underscores its potential to become a global landmark in green architecture and sustainable urban development. “We have clients from 71 countries. The whole world is talking about Burj Zanzibar. It was even featured at Davos when Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan was there with global leaders and investors.
We have clients from 71 countries. The whole world is talking about Burj Zanzibar
Sebastian Dietzold
“The project is already making waves globally,” Dietzold shares, beaming with pride. “But it’s not just about the attention; it’s about building a world-class structure that people from around the world can call home.”
Dietzold’s excitement about the global reach of Burj Zanzibar is tempered with a sense of responsibility. He sees the tower not just as a luxury building, but as a testament to the possibility of sustainable living at the highest level.
“What I’m most proud of is when I see the kids and families living in Fumba, which is part of our development, feeling safe and secure. That’s the real success—when the people are happy, when the community thrives. That’s what makes all the hard work worth it” he reflects with reasonable pride.
A legacy for Zanzibar
Looking toward to the future, Dietzold envisions a lasting legacy for Burj Zanzibar and the local community. His goal is to help create a self-sufficient and globally competitive local real estate development sector.
He hopes that the success of Burj Zanzibar will inspire future generations of Zanzibari developers who will continue to build on the project’s foundations. “We want to leave behind a strong, professional developer in Zanzibar, one that’s self-sufficient, with a management structure that doesn’t depend on foreign leadership. That’s my vision: a team of Tanzanians and Zanzibari who can take on any global challenge and contribute to the growth of this region,” he concludes.
Through his work with CPS and the Burj Zanzibar project, Dietzold is laying the groundwork for a new era of sustainable development. His vision for the project goes far beyond the physical tower, extending to the creation of a thriving, empowered local community and the establishment of Zanzibar as a global leader in green architecture.
