Broll, which is handling the leasing of the centre, says more than 80% of the centre has been let. Tenants include South African companies Vodacom and Truworths and anchor tenants Game and Shoprite.

Broll CEO Arnold Meyer says the development of the 19000m² Mlimani City mall has created much interest among Tanzanians and the almost 30,000-strong South African expatriate community.

Broll says it is involved in shopping centre development, leasing and management in several African countries.

In addition to the Palms Centre, which opened in Nigeria in April, Broll is also responsible for the leasing of the 25000m² Accra Mall in Ghana.

Broll says that in all three instances, the developments have been the first of their kind in markets that are rapidly growing in affluence.

The group's non-South African property portfolio accounts for almost a third of its R35 billion under management.

The Mlimani City mall is the first phase of a larger project that includes a residential component of 55 apartments, a value centre of about 11000m² and a 13000m² office park.