In a landmark announcement made in Philadelphia on May 20th, Smith Choates Holdings, LLC, and Urban Icon International revealed their merger, marking the beginning of a significant partnership aimed at transforming the landscape of sports arenas and hotels across Africa. This collaboration underscores both companies’ dedication to leveraging advanced technology and infrastructure while fostering community engagement and economic growth.
The multi-million dollar project is designed to provide world-class sports and entertainment options, serving as hubs for economic development and cultural exchange. The initiative aligns with the merged entities’ commitment to creating inclusive and technologically advanced environments that enhance urban living.
Smith Choates Holdings is celebrated for its innovative approach to urban development, specializing in adaptable, safe, and technologically sophisticated environments. As a certified minority-owned company, it brings a unique and inclusive perspective to its projects, ensuring that development benefits a broad spectrum of communities.
Urban Icon International has a legacy of integrating the needs of diverse cultures into its projects, focusing on creating iconic community landmarks that promote sustainability, cultural respect, and economic prosperity.
Merger Highlights: $812 Million Total Project Budget
The merger’s ambitious project encompasses the construction of state-of-the-art sports arenas and hotels in six key African cities, each with a distinct budget and focus on digital innovation:
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1. Zanzibar, Tanzania: A cutting-edge digital sports arena and hotel with an estimated project budget of $180 million. This facility aims to be a premier destination for sports and entertainment.
2. Nairobi, Kenya: With a projected budget of $150 million, this facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities designed to cater to a diverse range of sports and entertainment needs.
3. Mombasa, Kenya: This project, funded at $120 million, involves the creation of a digital smart sports arena and hotel, integrating advanced technology to enhance the user experience.
4. Maputo, Mozambique: With a budget of $108 million, this digital smart sports arena and hotel will serve as a major cultural and economic hub in the region.
5. Kampala, Uganda: Designed for digital innovation, this sports arena and hotel has a budget allocation of $134 million and aims to be a center for sports and entertainment.
6. Cape Verde: The President Jorge Carlos Fonseca sports arena and hotel, with a budget allocation of $120 million, will be a landmark project, promoting sports and cultural exchange.
The partnership between Smith Choates Holdings and Urban Icon International represents a significant step forward in advancing infrastructure and technology across Africa. By focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth, these projects are set to leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
This groundbreaking venture not only highlights the capabilities of Black-owned businesses but also sets a new standard for international development projects. As these facilities come to life, they will undoubtedly become symbols of innovation, collaboration, and progress, fostering a brighter future for the regions they touch.
