GEMS Education and Infinity Developments to Collaborate on New International School in Zanzibar
GEMS School Management (GSM), the advisory arm of GEMS Education, and Infinity Developments, Zanzibar’s largest property developer, have announced their intent to explore the creation of a world-class international school in Zanzibar. This partnership combines GEMS Education’s six decades of expertise in global education with Infinity Developments’ extensive experience in sustainable real estate and community development across Zanzibar and East Africa.
A Vision for World-Class Education in Zanzibar
The proposed international school is expected to open in 2027 and will be a central component of Infinity Hills, a major mixed-use community that integrates modern housing, green infrastructure, and social amenities within the UNESCO World Heritage Zone of Stone Town. The collaboration represents a major step in enhancing educational infrastructure in Zanzibar, a region increasingly recognized for its tourism and real estate growth, as well as its efforts to promote sustainable urban development.
The partnership, while currently non-binding, reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to fostering accessible, high-quality education in East Africa. Through this initiative, GSM and Infinity Developments aim to establish a model institution that delivers international academic standards, prepares students for a globalized future, and supports local education policy goals.
The Role of GEMS School Management
GEMS Education, founded over 68 years ago, operates some of the world’s most successful private schools and education support services. Its advisory division, GEMS School Management (GSM), specializes in helping governments and private organizations establish and operate high-performing educational institutions across emerging markets.
For the Zanzibar project, GSM plans to deploy its ASPIRE model, which emphasizes academic excellence, student well-being, innovation, and social impact. The model has been instrumental in transforming educational outcomes across GEMS-managed schools worldwide, fostering a balance between rigorous academics and holistic development.
GSM’s participation in the Zanzibar project signifies more than just the launch of a new school — it is an investment in the region’s educational ecosystem. The company aims to support teacher training, leadership development, and curriculum enhancement, ensuring that the benefits of the collaboration extend well beyond the school’s campus.
Infinity Developments’ Role in Sustainable Growth
Infinity Developments has earned a reputation as a leading force in East Africa’s real estate transformation, with landmark projects such as the Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences. The company is widely recognized for its focus on sustainable design, master planning, and community-oriented development.
By integrating the international school into Infinity Hills, the developer envisions creating a community where education, lifestyle, and sustainability converge. The master plan includes eco-friendly residential neighborhoods, renewable energy systems, and infrastructure that reflects modern urban planning standards.
For Infinity Developments, education represents a vital pillar of sustainable community growth. According to Samuel Saba, Founder and Chairman of the company:
Education is the foundation of every thriving community. Partnering with GSM allows us to bring that vision to life, creating a school that stands for excellence, sustainability, and opportunity at the heart of Infinity Hills.
This initiative aligns with Zanzibar’s long-term urban development goals, which emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and social infrastructure development.
Building a Transformative Learning Environment
The planned international school will be designed to serve students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, offering a curriculum that integrates STEM education, digital innovation, and global citizenship. It will also prioritize teacher empowerment through ongoing professional development programs.
By leveraging GEMS Education’s global academic network, the school will provide access to international resources, student exchange programs, and leadership training opportunities. These elements are expected to contribute to the creation of a future-ready generation of learners equipped with skills for innovation, sustainability, and global engagement.
Robert Tarn, CBE, Managing Director of GEMS School Management, expressed optimism about the collaboration:
We look forward to exploring this partnership with Infinity Developments, marking an important step in GSM’s expansion across Africa. Zanzibar offers a unique opportunity to extend access to high-quality education and support the government’s vision for an inclusive, future-ready school system.
A Model for Future Partnerships in Africa
This partnership is not only about building a school but also about establishing a blueprint for education-driven community development across the African continent. With education increasingly recognized as a driver of economic progress, GSM and Infinity Developments see an opportunity to replicate this model in other fast-growing urban centers across Africa.
The collaboration highlights the growing synergy between the education and real estate sectors, where developers are incorporating educational institutions as anchor assets within large-scale residential and mixed-use projects. This approach ensures that communities evolve around essential social infrastructure rather than merely physical structures.
Moreover, the project represents a step toward sustainable education infrastructure, emphasizing the integration of green building practices, digital technology, and inclusive design principles.
Supporting Zanzibar’s Development Agenda
Zanzibar has emerged as a promising destination for international investment, particularly in tourism, housing, and education. The government’s focus on sustainable growth and human capital development aligns closely with the objectives of this partnership.
By situating the school within the UNESCO-listed Stone Town Heritage Zone, the project underscores a deep respect for Zanzibar’s cultural heritage while promoting modernization and innovation. The development of an international school in this area will not only serve local families but also attract expatriate and regional communities, strengthening Zanzibar’s position as a hub for quality education in East Africa.
The collaboration between GEMS School Management and Infinity Developments represents a forward-thinking partnership at the intersection of education, sustainability, and community development. The establishment of an international school in Zanzibar will mark a milestone in the region’s educational journey, combining world-class academic standards with environmentally conscious construction and inclusive design.
As the project moves toward its 2027 opening, both organizations envision a transformative institution that empowers students, supports teachers, and strengthens the community — a place where education becomes the cornerstone of sustainable progress in Zanzibar and beyond.
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