Global leader in integrated hotel management Valor Hospitality Partners has extended its footprint in East Africa with a strategic move into branded residences and urban hospitality management.

In collaboration with CPS Africa, Valor will manage two pioneering developments in Zanzibar: Fumba Town and The Soul Paje.

This marks a significant milestone in the region’s real estate and hospitality sectors.

Located approximately 30km from Stone Town and a short 20-minute drive from Zanzibar’s international airport, Fumba Town is set to become a model of modern urban living in Zanzibar. The town, which will eventually encompass more than 5 000 residential units over the next decade, already has over 650 completed and occupied apartments.

Fumba Town’s ambitious plans include construction of The Burj, the world’s tallest timber tower, which will host Zanzibar’s first Canopy by Hilton scheduled to open at the end of 2027. This iconic structure will also feature The Burj Apartments – flagship branded residences offering luxurious amenities and services.

CPS Africa, Fumba Town’s developer, chose Valor to manage rentals, facilities and property management services. "After eight years of development, we believe the time is right to bring on board a professional hospitality management company," said Tobias Dietzold, Chief Information Officer for CPS Africa. This partnership aims to elevate Fumba Town’s management standards, ensuring the mixed-use precinct delivers on its promise of a high-quality, sustainable urban lifestyle.

Another CPS Africa development, The Soul Paje on Zanzibar’s east coast, featuring 264 private residences, a lagoon and various other lifestyle amenities, is nearing completion. Valor’s role will include overseeing facilities, property management and the rental scheme for individual owners to ensure a seamless experience for residents and investors.

“The Soul Paje was the first condominium project in Zanzibar,” Dietzold noted. "Zanzibar experienced 16% growth in tourism during 2023. With few non-branded small hotels, CPS recognised a lack of self-contained, quality apartments, especially for long-term stays."

The success of The Soul Paje led to the development of its sister project, The Soul Fumba, which is expected to be completed in Fumba Town by 2027.

Adapting to African market

Mark Jakins, Head of Advisory at Valor, highlighted the company’s evolution in response to growing demand for mixed-use, branded residences. "Valor is expanding from traditional hotel and lodge management into the partner of choice for African developers who see the potential in branded residences and lifestyle developments." Jakins emphasised the importance of maintaining consistent and professional standards across all aspects of these developments – from property management to guest services – to maximise commercial returns and enhance the overall guest experience.

Jakins also underscored the importance of adapting to the diverse needs of the African market. "Our experiences in South Africa, Zanzibar and Kenya have shown us the significant potential in mixed-use environments. We aim to create value for owners, investors and developers by offering professionally branded and operated residential developments that support premium resales and investor value."

Valor’s entry into the branded residences market in Zanzibar is part of a broader strategy to establish a strong presence in Africa’s rapidly growing hospitality sector. With a team of international experts, Valor is poised to deliver operational excellence across the continent, helping developers create sustainable, state-of-the-art urban centres that meet the evolving needs of modern lifestyles.

As Africa continues to urbanise at a rapid pace, developers like CPS are seizing the opportunity to create economic hubs that combine superior hospitality standards with innovative urban planning. "If properly planned, developments like Fumba Town can have a major positive impact on the region," Dietzold said. Africa’s future in real estate and hospitality is exciting and full of potential, he added.