Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
Construction of the landmark Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre in Harare is now in its final stages, with the multi-million-dollar development expected to be ready for occupation by the beginning of September, a senior official has said.
The state-of-the-art facility will house a hotel, premium office space and retail outlets, making it one of the country’s most significant commercial property developments in recent years.
In an interview yesterday, Integrated Properties chief executive officer, Dr Eric Juru, whose company is managing the construction of the project, said works were nearing completion, with the focus now on final finishes and quality assurance.
“The building should be ready at the beginning of September. The delays came as a result of the aspect of perfectionism more than anything else. The quality of the finishings and the focus on details have slightly delayed completion,” he said.
Dr Juru said the project had reached a stage where prospective tenants were being engaged, with some already securing space in the development.
“The building is now accepting tenants. The owners are happy with the progress and have arrived at a point where they are happy to talk to prospective tenants.
“Some have already secured their slots, and more opportunities are still there. We are looking at offices and a few for retail,” he said.
The Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre is one of many such facilities being developed across the continent by the Cairo-headquartered African Export-Import Bank as part of efforts to promote intra-African trade, investment and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Harare facility will serve as a regional trade and investment hub, providing world-class infrastructure for business conferences, exhibitions, trade promotion activities and corporate operations.
Beyond its economic significance, the project is also emerging as a model for sustainable construction.
Said Dr Juru: “The Afreximbank building is a green building.”
Green buildings are designed to minimise environmental impact through efficient use of energy, water and construction materials while lowering operating costs and carbon emissions.
The project has also provided significant opportunities for local companies and professionals.
Hundreds of Zimbabwean contractors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, artisans and suppliers have participated in the construction process, ensuring that a substantial portion of the investment remains in the local economy.
The development has created employment opportunities across the construction value chain while facilitating skills transfer and exposing local firms to international building standards and modern construction technologies.
Industry observers say the project demonstrates the growing capacity of local companies to participate in large-scale, high-value infrastructure developments.
The AATC is expected to become a landmark feature on Harare’s skyline and a catalyst for increased trade, tourism and investment once operational.
Its hotel component is expected to enhance the city’s hospitality capacity, while the office and retail sections will provide premium commercial space for local and international businesses.
Overall, the development is expected to play an important role in supporting Zimbabwe’s economic growth and positioning Harare as a regional hub for trade.
