Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE construction sector has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Government to accelerate infrastructure development under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to achieve upper middle income status by 2030.
The commitment follows President Mnangagwa’s call for all sectors of the economy to play an active, results driven role in national development, building on the momentum established during the first phase of the strategy, NDS1.
As one of the country’s major employers and an essential economic pillar, the construction industry continues to shape Zimbabwe’s development landscape, with property and infrastructure projects proliferating across urban and peri-urban areas.
The sector has been a significant beneficiary of the Second Republic’s infrastructure led growth model, which places roads, housing, industrial infrastructure and public utilities at the forefront of the nation’s transformation agenda.
President Mnangagwa has consistently underscored that there is “no going back” on the national infrastructure drive, a stance that industry leaders say has translated into measurable progress on the ground.
According to the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association, the industry has achieved an estimated 80 percent success rate in project delivery under the prevailing policy environment.
Government support measures — including tax incentives, streamlined approval systems and improved access to finance — have further strengthened confidence in the sector, encouraging both local and diaspora investors to channel capital into property and infrastructure development.
River Valley Properties chief executive officer, Dr Smelly Dube, said the establishment of the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) in Manhize, Midlands Province, has been a transformative milestone for the industry.
“Steel is the backbone of the construction sector, and having a reliable local supply is a major advantage.
“The local production of steel by Disco Manhize is offering a cost effective and dependable supply of this critical material, and it is driving the construction boom we are witnessing across the country,” said Dr Dube.
She praised the Second Republic for policy consistency and reforms that continue to stimulate growth in the construction sector.
“We are working hand in hand with the Second Republic, which is availing land and creating an enabling environment that makes it easier for people to invest in property development. Even Zimbabweans in the diaspora are responding positively, investing in housing and commercial projects nationwide,” said Dr Dube.
Property development is set to take centre stage under NDS2 (2026–2030), with housing identified as a priority pillar in the second phase of the country’s development blueprint. The Government has placed emphasis on delivering affordable, sustainable and inclusive housing through large scale infrastructure programmes designed to address urbanisation pressures and long standing housing deficits.
Zimbuild chief executive officer, Dr Tinashe Manzungu, said strong public private partnerships remain essential for delivering the large scale infrastructure projects that anchor economic growth.
“For us, Government is a critical partner. It is our main contractor, and together we are committed to advancing the objectives outlined in NDS2,” said Dr Manzungu.
He said the construction industry fully supports the policies being rolled out by the Second Republic, which he described as clear evidence of the Government’s commitment to the sector’s advancement.
“These policies resonate with our mission and provide a supportive framework that allows the industry to tackle challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Collaboration ensures alignment with national priorities, effective implementation of projects, and the promotion of sustainable economic and social development,” he said.
Dr Manzungu also applauded Government efforts to promote local resource utilisation, again referencing Disco Manhize as a key development.
“We are encouraged by the localisation of key inputs, which strengthens community development, regional growth and economic resilience,” he said.
Zimbabwe is experiencing a notable property development surge, partly driven by a US$2 billion investment spike recorded in late 2024. Rising demand for secure, modern and sustainable housing, rapid urbanisation, mixed use developments and increased infrastructure expenditure are among the main factors reshaping the sector.
According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida), real estate investments reached US$2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for 43,6 percent of all investment commitments.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Real Estate Index rose by 649 percent in 2024, while Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) climbed 288 percent to reach ZiG 1,68 billion — underscoring the sector’s expanding role in national economic recovery.
