Zim GBC News | Business Correspondent
Harare – Zimbabwe’s retail landscape is on the brink of a historic transformation with the impending development of The Mall of Zimbabwe, a $100 million commercial complex poised to become the largest of its kind in the country.
After years of detailed planning, the project is now moving firmly forward, with South African developer Exemplar REITail Limited finalising lease agreements and refreshing architectural designs.
Groundbreaking for the mega-mall is scheduled for early 2026.
Spanning a peak gross lettable area of 90,000 square metres, the mall is envisioned as a comprehensive lifestyle hub—integrating shopping, dining, business, and leisure under one roof. It aims to attract a mix of local, regional, and international brands, offering a customer experience built on scale, innovation, and technology.
In a statement, Ken Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer of WestProp Holdings Limited, emphasised the transformative nature of the project.
“This development is set to completely redefine Zimbabwe’s retail landscape. We are not just building a mall; we are creating a modern, smart, and customer-centric destination that incorporates digital navigation, energy-efficient systems, and advanced security,” Sharpe said.
He added that the design would move beyond traditional retail by including spacious event areas, exhibition facilities, and architecture that meets global sustainability standards.
The economic implications are substantial. According to Sharpe, the construction phase alone is expected to generate thousands of jobs across engineering, skilled trades, project management, and supply chain sectors, providing a significant boost to related industries such as cement, steel, and transportation.
“Once operational, The Mall of Zimbabwe will create permanent employment opportunities in retail, hospitality, facility management, maintenance, and security. With over 150 tenants anticipated, we are looking at supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” Sharpe explained.
He further highlighted that the tenant mix would carefully balance global anchor stores with regional players and emerging local businesses, a strategy intended to foster international competitiveness while promoting domestic enterprise.
“Our design reflects a deep commitment to community upliftment and inclusive economic participation. The Mall of Zimbabwe will stand as a benchmark for modern retail infrastructure in the country,” Sharpe asserted.
The project signals a major vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic potential and is expected to elevate consumer expectations, attract new investment, and position Harare as a leading retail destination in Southern Africa.
Follow Zim GBC News for more updates:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025