The kingdom of Morocco has inaugurated the Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat, the second tallest building in Africa. The building is also a flagship component of the Bouregreg Valley Development Project in Rabat. The tower was inaugurated earlier this week by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and forms part of Rabat’s transformation into the “City of Light.” The monumental structure stands at 250 meters with 55 floors, cementing its standard as Africa’s second tallest building.

However, Egypt’s 400-meter Iconic Tower still has a firm grip as Africa’s tallest. The tower is still advancing in the nation’s New Administrative Capital business district. The Mohammed VI Tower spans approximately 102,800 square meters and includes a luxury Waldorf Astoria premium office space.

Furthermore, it includes high-end residential units and a panoramic observation deck. The tower is also supported by a four-level podium and serviced by 36 elevators. It is designed to be visible within a 50 km radius and serves as a focal point for the redevelopment of the Bouregreg riverfront.

Scope of Implementation on Africa’s Second Tallest Mohammed VI Tower

Africa’s second tallest Mohammed VI Tower in Morocco was delivered by Belgium-based BESIX in a joint venture with Moroccan contractor TGCC. Furthermore, it was delivered under a design-and-build contract awarded in 2018 by O Tower, part of O Capital Group. The scope included design, engineering, procurement and construction. It also entailed covering structural works, facades, advanced electro-mechanical systems and interior finishes.

The project has advanced at a steady pace since it commenced construction in the fourth quarter of 2018. Completion of the project was achieved by the end of March 2026. The Bank of Africa-financed project is estimated to have cost around 4 billion Moroccan dirhams ($432 million), according to government agency Rabat Invest. The tower is designed to achieve LEED Gold and HQE certification, incorporating multiple sustainability features.

Its façade, spanning more than 70,000 sqm, also integrates photovoltaic panels to reduce solar heat gain and cooling demand. The project was designed by architects Rafael de la Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun, with structural engineering by Ney & Partners. Interior design was developed by FLAMANT.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Mohammed VI Tower
• Project Type: Mixed-use skyscraper
• Value: ~$400M+ (≈ MAD 4 billion)
• Height: 250 meters (55 floors)
• Purpose: Commercial, residential, hospitality, and tourism
• Status: Completed and also inaugurated (March 2026)

Key Stakeholders

• Client / Developer: O Tower (part of O Capital Group)
• Contractors (JV): BESIX, TGCC
• Financier: Bank of Africa
• Architects: Rafael de la Hoz, Hakim Benjelloun
• Structural Engineer: Ney & Partners
• Interior Design: FLAMANT

Location

• City: Rabat
• Country: Morocco
• Development Area: Bouregreg Valley

Scope

• 250 m tower with 55 floors
• Total floor area ~102,800 sqm
• Mixed-use components:
  • Luxury hotel (Waldorf Astoria)
  • Premium office space
  • Also high-end residential units
  • Observation deck
• Four-level podium
• 36 elevators
• Landmark visibility (~50 km radius)

Funding / Delivery Model

• Design-and-build contract (awarded 2018)
• Joint venture delivery (BESIX & TGCC)
• Privately developed with bank financing

Status

• Construction Start: Q4 2018
• Completion: March 2026
• Current Stage: Operational / inaugurated

Key Risks & Challenges

• High-rise engineering complexity
• Advanced façade and structural systems
• Also includes integration of mixed-use functions
• Cost and schedule management over long duration
• Also sustainability compliance requirements

Strategic Significance

• Second tallest building in Africa
• Key component of Bouregreg Valley redevelopment
• Supports Rabat’s “City of Light” vision