Digital Nomads in Africa: The Rising Tide in East Africa & How AfricaNomads Is Changing the Game

 

Over the past decade, digital nomads in Africa was often treated as a fringe idea, a dream of remote workers gazing toward the continent from afar, perhaps stopping in Cape Town or Marrakech. But today, the map is shifting. Africa is no longer the periphery of remote work; it is emerging as one of the most exciting frontiers. The established hubs like Cape Town still lead, but East Africa is fast becoming a new hotspot, and initiatives like AfricaNomads are accelerating the momentum by opening new nomad-friendly locations in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and beyond.

Here’s how the landscape is evolving, why East Africa matters now, and what makes this next wave of digital nomad destinations especially compelling.

Pic: Supplied by AfricaNomads Team

Cape Town & Southern Africa: The Pioneer Destinations

 

When people think of digital nomads in Africa, Cape Town often comes first to mind. It has earned its status for good reason.
Cape Town boasts good infrastructure, vibrant coworking spaces, and a rich lifestyle offering with beaches, mountains, food culture, and arts.

South Africa is planning a digital nomad visa (1-year duration) to attract remote workers.
Many nomads still choose Cape Town as their base when exploring Africa.

That said, the influx has also stirred some local debate over housing costs, gentrification, and access. But as attractive as Cape Town is, its popularity means competition, saturation, and rising prices. 

The next frontier is opening up elsewhere, especially in East Africa.

 

East Africa Enters the Map

 

For many years, East Africa’s appeal as a digital nomad destination was hindered by infrastructure challenges, visa complexity, and the lack of well-established coliving and coworking setups. That is changing rapidly.

 

Kenya

Kenya made a bold move in October 2024, introducing a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country under favorable conditions such as proof of remote employment, a clean record, and accommodation.

Nairobi, often referred to as Silicon Savannah, already has a thriving tech and startup ecosystem with coworking hubs.

Kenya also offers coastal and island experiences. AfricaNomads, for instance, has established remote work communities in Nairobi and in the coast towns: Diani, Watamu & Lamu Island with curated coliving properties and community events.

 

Tanzania & Zanzibar

Tanzania, and specifically Zanzibar, is becoming one of the most promising new destinations for remote workers. The combination of tropical island life, Swahili culture, and the continuous improvements in the infrastructure makes it compelling.
AfricaNomads has been expanding in Zanzibar, offering coliving houses, backup power, reliable Wi-Fi with backup options, local SIM and data support, and community-based programming.

 

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is perhaps less talked about, but interest is growing. AfricaNomads has signaled Ethiopia as part of its African Route 2026 – and is right now their most popular new destination!
Though infrastructure is still catching up, the novelty and cultural richness make it an intriguing option for adventurous remote workers.

 

AfricaNomads: A Catalyst for the East African Nomad Movement

 

One of the most exciting developments in this space is AfricaNomads, a community, coliving, and coworking operator that is actively building new remote-work ecosystems across Africa.

 

Pic: By AfricaNomads

What they offer and how they’re changing the game:

 

-Curated coliving homes optimized for remote work, with private rooms, backup power, fast and redundant internet, and local SIM/data packages

-Community and programming that include weekly communal dinners, social meetups, skill sharing, weekend getaways, and local immersion

-Streamlined logistics support with airport transfers, local SIM assistance, and dedicated local hosts

-Strategic expansion through the African Route 2026, which includes Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania as active or upcoming destinations.

-A focus on integration rather than isolation, promoting connection with local cultures, experiences, and communities.

AfricaNomads bridges the gap between desire and practicality. It is one thing to dream of being a digital nomad in Zanzibar or Addis Ababa, but quite another to arrive and find reliable Wi-Fi, consistent power, a social network, and a supportive host ready for you.

 

Why East Africa Is Poised for a Boom in Remote Work

 

Several trends are converging now with new Visa and regulatory shifts. It seems Countries are becoming more competitive with Visas and eligibility changing rapidly, so it seems that Kenya has joined the game with its new digital nomad visa. More African nations are exploring or launching remote-worker visas to attract talent and foreign income.

Better infrastructure and connectivity

 

With the demand for extra connectivity and new technology enabling people to work away living away and traveling slow is becoming much easier with Fiber and mobile infrastructure in Africa are expanding in to the East African cities. Satellite internet like Starlink is being integrated into coliving projects to guarantee uptime. Backup systems for power and connectivity are becoming standard for serious nomad setups.

The rising demand for alternative destinations. As Cape Town becomes crowded and expensive, remote workers are looking for offbeat yet functional places where rent is affordable and experiences are authentic.

Community and ecosystem growth

 

Early adopters in Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Zanzibar, and Addis Ababa are forming communities, hosting meetups, and sharing local insights. Operators like AfricaNomads help structure that energy into sustainable ecosystems. And Best of all offers affordability and quality of life. Many East African destinations combine a lower cost of living with access to nature, culture, tropical environments, and genuine experiences.

Spotlight: Digital Nomads in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia

 

 

Kenya – The new nomad visa makes longer stays easier. Nairobi and Mombasa provide urban bases, while coastal islands like Lamu and Diani serve as relaxing retreats. AfricaNomads is already active in Lamu with curated coliving homes and community-driven experiences.

 

Tanzania / Zanzibar- Island life, Swahili culture, spice farms, and the ocean make Zanzibar a captivating backdrop. AfricaNomads’ coliving homes in Zanzibar offer connectivity, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Unlike more saturated markets, Zanzibar still offers authentic local experiences and strong potential for growth.

 

Ethiopia – Although still developing as a nomad destination, Ethiopia is attracting more remote workers interested in culture and originality. AfricaNomads’ inclusion of Ethiopia in its route map shows confidence in its future potential. Addis Ababa and other cities are becoming more connected, with new cowork cafés and shared work hubs appearing.

 

Conclusion & Outlook

 

The digital nomad story in Africa is shifting from novelty to reality and you can be part of it. Cape Town and Southern Africa still shine, but the rise of East Africa is where the next big chapter unfolds. Thanks to pioneers like AfricaNomads, the infrastructure and community needed for sustainable remote living are now taking shape in Zanzibar, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Beyond community colivings, AfricaNomads also arranges private stays for those who prefer to travel fully solo while maintaining remote support and concierge services throughout their stay. For remote teams, tailor-made private stays are available in several African countries, offering curated spaces that blend productivity, comfort, and cultural immersion.

If you are watching where the frontier of remote work will grow next, East Africa is no longer just emerging; it is here. With affordability, cultural depth, and a growing network of coliving and private accommodation options, the region is becoming one of the most inspiring destinations in the global digital nomad movement.