CPS Africa is aware of an anonymous post circulating on social media making serious and unfounded allegations about the Fumba Town Development.

We categorically refute these claims in their entirety. The statements being circulated are false, misleading, and baseless, and do not originate from any verified group of homeowners, investors, or stakeholders associated with Fumba Town.

CPS Africa operates transparently within a clear legal and regulatory framework under the oversight of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and other relevant government bodies. All our projects, including Fumba Town, strictly comply with the laws and regulations of Zanzibar.

We wish to assure our homeowners, investors, and the wider public that neither CPS nor ZIPA has anything to hide, and the integrity of the Fumba Town model remains intact and fully compliant.

Our legal team is currently assessing the defamatory nature of these allegations, and appropriate legal action will be taken should those responsible fail to withdraw and desist from spreading false information.

We urge the public and media to rely on verified sources and official communications from CPS Africa for accurate information regarding the Fumba Town project.

CPS remains committed to building sustainable communities and continuing its work in full transparency, accountability, and partnership with the authorities and residents of Zanzibar.

There’s a silent pandemic sweeping across Africa: ghost towns. Gleaming housing estates built for the elite, sold off-plan at record speed, only to stand lifeless and hollow. No lights. No children. No community. Just profit wrapped in concrete.

And then there’s Fumba Town, a living, breathing counterargument to everything we’ve been told development should look like.

In this episode of “Inside East Africa”, Rajan Nazran engages with Sebastian Dietzold, the man quietly attempting to pull off the impossible: urban development that is simultaneously sustainable, inclusive, and profitable. If that sounds like fantasy, buckle up, because his team is already doing it.

Born in Tanzania and trained in Europe’s corporate machine, Sebastian could have played the safe real estate game. Instead, he returned to Zanzibar, looked at the tidal wave of urbanisation sweeping across Africa, the fastest in human history, and saw not a crisis, but an opportunity to reset the rules.

Because what good is development if people can’t live in it? What good is “green innovation” if sustainability ends at a press release?

While most developers chase luxury buyers, Sebastian and his company, CPS, built Fumba Town on the principle of balance. In one neighbourhood, families paying $200 a month live next to those paying $3,000. No walls. No segregation. Their kids play in the same streets. Equality not as a slogan, but as architecture.

While others talk “green”, Sebastian swapped concrete dependency for engineered timber, designed homes that collect and reuse stormwater, and built an entire nursery of indigenous plants simply because “nature knows better than us.” He even factored vertical rivers, violent sky-bursts of rain accelerating due to climate change, into building design. Who else is talking about future-proofing African housing against the weather of 2040?

And while many projects crumble under bureaucracy, Fumba thrives because it sits in Zanzibar’s unique semi-autonomous system, a loophole most never thought to use. They secured a 99-year lease, built a free-zone city, and turned it into a full-scale living lab for sustainable African urbanization.

So why isn’t the rest of the world paying attention?

This conversation is not about “another development project.” It’s about redefining African urban identity. It’s about proving that sustainability doesn’t have to price people out, that community is as important as infrastructure, that Africa doesn’t need imported models; it can export new ones.

If you believe Africa deserves better than concrete shells and broken promises — listen to this episode. Share it. Send it to a policymaker. Forward it to a real estate investor. Challenge someone you know to think bigger.

This isn’t just another development story. It’s a blueprint for how Africa can build differently. Permanently. Together.

*Disclaimer: The perspectives expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our platform. This discussion is intended solely for knowledge-sharing and should not be interpreted as endorsement.

Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.

Script by Rajan Nazran
Original idea: Rajan Nazran

Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/Timbre)

Inside the Conversation – Chapter Guide

• 01:20 – Why Zanzibar? – The Elevator Pitch  
• 04:30 – Urbanization in Africa as Opportunity, Not Crisis  
• 07:10 – Climate Resilience & Future-Proofing Housing  
• 11:00 – Green Materials & Timber Innovation
• 14:20 – Cost vs Sustainability — Can Green Be Affordable?
• 17:45 – Inclusive Urban Living — Mixed Income Harmony
• 21:30 – Fumba Town as a Social Experiment  
• 25:00 – Scaling Across Africa – Challenges & Land Issues  
• 29:30 – Why CPS Remains Under the Radar

About Sebastian Dietzold

Sebastian Dietzold is a visionary real estate entrepreneur driven by one mission: to build thriving, sustainable urban communities across Africa. Raised in Tanzania and now based in Mbweni, Zanzibar, with his wife and three children, Sebastian blends deep local roots with global expertise.

Educated in civil engineering across England and Germany, he went on to specialise in real estate investment and sharpened his commercial acumen working at global giants such as Deutsche Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG.

In 2012, he and his wife, Katrin, co-founded CPS with a bold vision: to design and deliver empowering urban developments that uplift people, protect the environment and redefine city living.

A strategist at heart and a salesman by instinct, Sebastian is known for turning ideas into reality, crafting inspiring spaces where innovation meets impact, and where communities don’t just grow, they flourish.

Imagine living where serenity meets vibrancy, in a home that blends modern luxury with tropical charm. Fumba Town is proud to announce that our Bustani Villas have been recognized as the Winner of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025 in the category of Best Luxury Villa Development in Tanzania. This prestigious award reflects our commitment to modern architecture, sustainable design, and premium coastal living.

Bustani Villas feature 3 to 5-bedroom contemporary homes with premium finishes, lush tropical landscaping, and private gardens. Strategically located next to Fumba Town’s vibrant piazza and retail boulevard, these villas offer the perfect balance of serenity and urban energy, making them ideal for both permanent residents and investors.

At Fumba Town, we go beyond building homes. Our integrated community offers luxury real estate, investment opportunities, and sustainable living in Zanzibar, combining comfort, style, and accessibility.

Discover why Bustani Villas in Fumba Town are redefining luxury coastal living in Zanzibar, and experience a lifestyle that blends modern elegance, tropical tranquility, and vibrant community living.

Take the next step in elevating your lifestyle — explore Bustani Villas and embrace the best of Zanzibar living.

 Contact our team today to schedule a private consultation or learn more about available properties:

• Email: info@fumbatown.com
• Phone: +255 623 989 900
• Website: www.fumbatown.com

At CPS Africa, integrity is the foundation of everything we do. We believe that ethical business practices are not just an obligation but a responsibility that drives sustainable growth and trust within the industry. It is with immense pride that we announce our recognition by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as the 3rd place winner in the category of Non-Involvement in Tax Evasion & Fraudulent Activities for the year 2023/24.

This is Our Commitment to Transparency & Compliance

This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial best practices. At CPS Africa, we operate with the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring that all our financial operations align with national regulations and international best practices.
Receiving this award highlights the hard work, diligence, and dedication of our Finance Team, who have consistently upheld ethical financial reporting and tax compliance. Their meticulous efforts in ensuring that our financial dealings remain transparent and above board have played a significant role in this achievement.

Speaking on behalf of the company, COO, Katrin Dietzold said, “We take pride in upholding the highest financial standards not only in our Finance Team but within the whole organisation.”

This acknowledgment further strengthens our resolve to continue to foster a corporate culture where compliance, ethics, and transparency remain non-negotiable. We view this recognition as a motivation to persist in upholding responsible business practices that contribute positively to Tanzania’s economic landscape.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TRA for their commitment to fair and transparent tax administration. Their efforts in recognizing and rewarding compliant businesses inspire us and many others to uphold the highest financial standards. Furthermore, we thank our employees, partners, and stakeholders who support us in maintaining a culture of trust and responsibility. Your dedication and integrity make such achievements possible, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.

While this recognition is a significant milestone, our journey towards excellence in compliance and ethical business practices does not stop here. CPS Africa remains dedicated to:

• Strengthening our internal compliance systems to align with evolving regulations.
• Enhancing financial transparency across all our operations.
• Collaborating with regulatory bodies to contribute to a more accountable corporate environment.
• Educating and empowering our teams on tax compliance and ethical business conduct.

We believe that a strong commitment to corporate integrity not only encourages business growth but also strengthens our reputation as a trusted and responsible company in Tanzania and beyond.

As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our obsession with impact by conducting business the right way—with honesty, accountability, and integrity. This recognition is not just an award but a symbol of our pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards in all that we do.

Here’s to a future of ethical growth and continued success!

Zanzibar is famous for historic Stone Town. But now the island’s modern architecture starts gaining international recognition, too. 

The white modern living style of Fumba Town based on green principles has won a prestigious award in Dubai recently. CPS Africa, who started the unique island development in 2015, received the ‘Residential Development 20+’ award by the African section of ‘International Property Awards’. The London-based organisation works with a jury of 90 international architects und industry experts. 

The awards celebrate outstanding achievements in various categories, including architecture, interior design and property development. The program is open to professionals worldwide. Fumba Town showcases half a dozen of different houses and apartment types for all budgets, including high-tech timber buildings. The growing sea-side suburb is embedded in permaculture, has Adobe playgrounds for kids and open-air organic restaurants. 

Sebastian Dietzold, CEO of CPS Africa, expressed his joy, stating, “Winning the African Property Award is not only a recognition for Fumba Town but the whole of Zanzibar and Tanzania. Our ambition is to shape spaces that redefine how communities live and thrive.” The company has offices in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaa and Nairobi.

Your home is more than just a structure; it’s a sanctuary, a place where memories are made and cherished. 

Two lady expert brokers explain options to protect your property. Accidents and disasters can strike when you least expect them – in holiday homes and residencies. From fires to burglaries, the unexpected can leave you reeling. “That’s where comprehensive house insurance steps in, providing the financial safety net you need to recover from such unforeseen events”, say Nilufar Manalla and Irene Nnko, two young expert insurance brokers from Dar Es Salaam. With their company Cizass they assist in finding the right insurance and are at a client’s side in the case of a claim. 

For THE FUMBA TIMES they outline how to get vital protection, and how much it costs. In Fumba Town property insurance is obligatory. 

Don’t gamble with your home No one plans for a disaster, but having house insurance means you’re prepared. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a fierce storm, the cost of repairs can be daunting. With a proper insurance, you’ll have the funds to fix or replace damaged property, from the walls to your beloved vintage record collection. 

House insurance isn’t just about the physical structure—it also covers your furniture, appliances, electronics, and personal belongings. So, in the unfortunate event of a break-in, theft or vandalism, you won’t be left empty-handed. As a rule, to insure structure is less expensive than content. 

Liability counts! 

Always check if liability coverage is included in your house insurance. Accidents can happen even within the safety of your home. If a visitor is injured on your property due to negligence or unsafe conditions, you could be held legally responsible. But its not just about visitors— your neighbours are covered too. If a tree on your property decides to do a somersault and damages their house, liability coverage can come to your rescue. ”It creates harmony among neighbours”, says Manalla. 

It all sounds comforting, but there are also possible “traps” to watch out for. How fast will the insurance pay out in case of a damage or loss? “Tanzania has improved in that matter”, the brokers know from experience. “Within one to three weeks in most cases one gets at least an acknowledgment by the insurance of a first settlement.” If clients want to fix a damage such as a broken window by themselves, “they get reimbursed”, the broker says. 

The most uncomfortable “trap”, however, is the so-called deductible, the amount an insured person has to pay himself or herself in case of damage “It is often 5,000 dollars or ten per cent of a claim”, the brokers point out. Their advice: one should look at these clauses at the beginning and choose an insurance accordingly. There are 27 registered insurances in Tanzania, among them Sanlam, Alliance and Jubilee. By law, all insurances need to be re-insured; there is also a public ombudsman in case of a disagreement.

Finding the ideal school for children can feel like an overwhelming challenge for parents. Now that its time to enrol (or change schools) here a pick of five good ones. 

Zan Coastal Academy: Situated just 500 metres from Fumba Town, Zan Coastal Academy is a properly authorised Cambridge international school teaching both Tanzanian (NECTA) and international curricula from primary to A level, so students have the choice. Founding principal Harith Omar Ally describes Cambridge education as a “clear and flexible learning pathway”. Outdoor learning is part of it. Several Fumba Town kids have won accolades at the neighbourhood school. zaca.ac.tz 

International School of Zanzibar (ISZ): The undisputed champion of schools in Zanzibar has a solid 30-year experience offering world-class education, set in a beautiful compound with a school pool in Mbweni. With a claim of warming-up kids towards a “global perspective” from pre-Kindergarten through 13 school years, ISZ delivers comprehensive education and networks for a life-time. isz.co.tz 

FEZA School: Conveniently located just eight kilometres from Fumba Town, the school is attended by local and international kids stirring them to “creative thinking and moral responsibility”. It accepts students at the beginning of the academic year and throughout the year, based on space availability. “Well-mannered kids make a positive difference in the world”, is one of the credos. fezaschools.org 

Leera Schools: Located in Mbweni, 14.5 kilometres from Fumba Town, Leera School was founded by three Zanzibari women from diverse backgrounds describing it as a “safe, productive, and engaging space” where learners are encouraged to reach their full potential up to O level. Using “contemporary teaching methodology” is a welcome innovative approach for Zanzibar. leeraschool.ac.tz 

South East Coast International School: Joyful learning is the key to the warm-hearted coastal school which has been and still is growing with its pupils on the east coast in Jambiani. Being welcoming and diverse, kids get a well-rounded education here from nursery to lower secondary. Empathy and critical thinking are encouraged, the guidelines say. The school uses the British national curriculum. seczanzibar.com

Aga Khan hospitals enjoy a top reputation in East Africa. Now Zanzibar can count itself lucky to have the first state-of-the art polyclinic run by the community – moreover in one of the landmark historic buildings which is finally being put to good use again.

In a last-minute attempt, only days before the opening, the antique floor had to be redone and polished: “We need an absolutely even and clean surface where the tiniest drop of blood is visible”, explained Dr. Judith Mwijage when taking THE FUMBA TIMES on an exclusive tour of the recently opened Aga Khan Polyclinic, the newest healthcare facility in Zanzibar.

On three immaculate floors, with art on the walls, a new glass elevator and neat waiting areas, a dozen or so specialised micro-clinics from emergency care, to eye care to physiotherapy are located in beautifully restored wood-panelled rooms and sections. Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as a CT scanner and dialysis machines, the new outpatient clinic behind 130-year-old walls is an enrichment for Zanzibar in medical terms. But also in conservation terms: Remaining a listed protected monument, the Old Dispensary has finally been put to good use again.

On a third try, so to speak, the Aga Khan Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world, rebranded and re-possessed the elaborate historical building. Since the collapse of Zanzibar’s foremost monument, the House of Wonders, the eye-catching structure with its blue double-decker balconies opposite the Malindi port has become the most photographed attraction on the seafront. Tourists may now combine sightseeing and medical advice, Minister of Tourism, Mohamed Simai, stressed during the opening earlier this year. It was a historical moment for a historical building.

Symbol of a twisted history

The Old Dispensary’s rebirth is a longwinded story, typical of Zanzibar’s twisted history. The foundation stone was laid in 1887 by Tharia Topan, a rich Ismaili merchant of Indian origins, to mark Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in far-away Britain. But Topan died before its completion, the dispensary was acquired by other merchants and indeed used as a charitable pharmacy of sorts until it fell into complete disarray after the 1964 revolution, when Zanzibar was merged with Tanganyika to become Tanzania. During our visit we enjoyed the breeze on the newly restored balconies which have partly become waiting rooms. It has taken the Aga Khan and its many trusts and services, who also restored the Forodhani seafront area, a lot of patience, funds and painstaking rounds of repairs to bring it back to life.

Although loving attention was given to many details from brass sign boards to a stuffed owl in the eye clinic, the recent make-over cost “only” $800,000 including new medical equipment, it was disclosed, The engagement comes with symbolism: Zanzibar is “almost holy ground” for the Aga Khan, as once noted by the late historian Erich Meffert. It was here that the Ismaili with 20 million followers first set foot on African soil – in the entourage of Sultan Said’s African conquests. The Aga Khan Health Services operate 14 hospitals and 400 health centres from Pakistan to Uganda. In Zanzibar they have now aptly demonstrated that one can revive a heritage site with a contemporary function not by ruining but carefully preserving it. One would wish that principle to be applied more often in Stone Town.

A. Tapp

200 new holiday apartments for sale on the west coast.

By Andrea Tapper

Known as The Soul, Zanzibar’s first residential resort continues its unique success story. After selling out in Paje on the east coast, the holiday apartments go west. In Fumba Town buyers can even opt for a new move-in-pay-later scheme.

It’s one of the rare rainy days in paradise. Raining cats and dogs actually, when Milan Heilmann takes me around The Soul in Paje. Since 2019, the project manager of developer CPS has been supervising the construction of Zanzibar’s first residential resort, only 300 metres walking distance from the famous kite surfing beach. Now it’s almost complete. 

On sunny days the scene here looks like this: young couples return from the beach, store their SUPs and surfboards before entering their lofty apartments through a garden door. Palm trees create a soft shade while a beautiful woman in her forties relaxes on her penthouse terrace, her husband mixing some drinks inside. And thanks to the monsoon rains, a lush tropical garden is already embracing the eleven apartment blocks in Paje’s hinterland, most of them fully finished and rentable (see box), some under finalisation. Pointing at palm trees, colourful bougeanivilla, banana trees and a gangling bamboo forest, project manager Heilmann, 32, summarises the resort’s philosophy: “Modern living in tropical surroundings.” The breaking news is, that after the completion of the east coast Soul, the residential resort will get a twin sister on the west coast in the urban setting of eco city Fumba Town. 200 holiday apartments – about the same amount as in Paje – with one to three bedrooms are planned. 

The Soul is an entirely new player within the tourism landscape for several reasons. It’s the first large scale holiday apartment complex in Zanzibar. Foreigners are entitled to buy here. In Fumba Town, near the capital, buyers even get additional benefits: a residency permit and a five year payment plan, starting at around 1,200 dollars per month. ”You will be able to move into and enjoy your apartment even before finishing payments”, explains Tobias Dietzold, one of the directors of developer CPS. Prices for 1-3 bedroom apartments and penthouses range from 67,900 dollars to 250,900 dollars. And there’s another plus to the soulfoul holiday residences: designed by Spanish architect Lucas Oyteza, they implement a hybrid, sustainable wood construction technology, a big plus for climate conscious travellers. 

Best holidays near Stone Town Sold-out in record time in Paje, “we want to give holidaymakers of all ages now the chance to purchase a Soul apartment in Fumba”, CPS directors Sebastian and Tobias Dietzold said when launching the look-alikes. Soul Fumba is close to the airport and Stone Town, embedded in urban infrastructure and has glorious west coast sunsets. CPS is a local company with German background and has sold more houses and apartments in Zanzibar than any other company. Both Soul projects nestle around a large lagoon, the ultimate relax area exclusively for residents. The sale of has just commenced, with first buyers coming actually from Paje – apparently convinced not only of the twin project’s charm but similarities. 

When launching the new touristic hot spot, Tobias Dietzold elaborated: “Fumba Town is a mixed-used urban centre and will now be complemented with the beautiful holiday apartments of The Soul which will add even more variety to the green urban community.” Eventually 20,000 people will live in the growing suburb along 1,5 kilometres seafront. Other than the north and east coast beaches, Fumba is only a 20-minute drive away from the airport and Stone Town. A sports centre is also planned on the sunset coast, where more and more developments are taking place. Go west! Booming tourism in Zanzibar, it seems, has found a new darling location.

CPS is delighted to announce its partnership with the African School of Economics (ASE), spearheaded by Prof Leonard Wantchekon, the esteemed President and Founder. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the development of Fumba Town as plans are underway to establish a university and research labs within the vibrant community. The esteemed Prof Wantchekon visited Fumba Town today, where both parties agreed to work towards opening the university and welcoming the first batch of 1,000 students in September 2024.

The partnership between CPS and ASE represents a shared vision to create a world-class educational institution in Fumba Town. The university will offer a comprehensive range of programs across various disciplines, providing students with quality education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Additionally, the research labs will foster a culture of innovation and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in key areas of interest.

Sebastian Dietzold, CEO of CPS, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "It is a tremendous honor to host Prof Leonard Wantchekon and work together towards establishing a university in Fumba Town. This initiative will not only enhance the educational landscape of the region but also provide a platform for aspiring students to acquire a transformative learning experience. We are dedicated to supporting the development of Fumba Town as an intellectual hub and fostering academic excellence."

Prof Leonard Wantchekon shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "I am delighted to collaborate with CPS in bringing the African School of Economics to Fumba Town. Our shared vision of providing quality education and promoting research aligns perfectly with the objectives of this collaboration. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students and contributing to the intellectual and economic growth of the region."

The establishment of the university and research labs in Fumba Town signifies a significant step towards realizing the potential of the region as an educational and research hub. CPS and ASE are committed to creating an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence, attracting students from across the African continent and beyond.