Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE City of Harare will tomorrow host a high-level investment engagement forum aimed at attracting local and international investors to support infrastructure development and service delivery projects across the capital.
The Harare Investment Dialogue 2026, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency, formerly Meikles Hotel, is expected to bring together Government officials, business leaders, development financiers and potential investors to explore strategic investment and trade opportunities within the city.
The event comes as the local authority seeks to mobilise capital for a US$4,29 billion infrastructure investment portfolio covering the period 2026 to 2030.
Speaking ahead of the dialogue, Ward 18 Councillor and Chairperson of the City of Harare Business Committee, Mrs Rufaro Matsika, said the forum marked an important step towards accelerating urban development through strategic partnerships.
“This investment dialogue presents a unique opportunity for Harare to showcase its vast investment potential and engage directly with both local and international investors who are interested in participating in the city’s transformation agenda,” she said.
Mrs Matsika said the city was positioning itself as a competitive investment destination capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and infrastructure modernisation.
“We are inviting serious investors, development partners and business leaders to join us as we unpack investment opportunities that have the potential to improve service delivery, create employment and enhance the quality of life for residents,” she said.
The dialogue will focus on key sectors including transport and roads, water and sanitation, energy, healthcare, real estate and industrial development.
Mrs Matsika said the City of Harare was committed to strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as part of efforts to bridge infrastructure financing gaps and improve service delivery.
“Modern cities are built through collaboration. We recognise that strategic partnerships between local authorities, investors and the private sector are critical in delivering the infrastructure required to support a growing urban population,” she said.
“The City of Harare remains open for business and committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable development.”
She said the investment drive was fully aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda and President Mnangagwa’s call for local authorities to modernise operations, improve infrastructure and ensure there is no compromise on service delivery. The President’s Local Authorities Blueprint, launched in 2023 under the theme ‘A Call to Action — No Compromise to Service Delivery’, directs councils to develop clear roadmaps towards supporting Zimbabwe’s attainment of upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
“Local authorities have a responsibility to become drivers of economic growth and development. Our investment agenda is informed by the President’s vision of modern, efficient and development-oriented local authorities that deliver quality services to residents,” said Mrs Matsika.
“We are taking practical steps to attract investment, modernise infrastructure, embrace innovation and strengthen partnerships that will help transform Harare into a world-class capital city.”
The event is expected to attract representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Mutapa Investment Fund, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), diplomatic missions and other key stakeholders. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is the Government ministry responsible for oversight of local authorities and implementation of policies relating to urban and rural local governance.
Mrs Matsika said Harare’s development ambitions were aligned with the national Vision 2030 agenda and efforts to build modern, resilient and sustainable cities.
“Our objective is to unlock investment that delivers tangible benefits for residents while supporting Zimbabwe’s broader development aspirations. We want investors to see Harare not only as the country’s capital city but also as a city of opportunity,” she said.
She added that the City of Harare was embracing the Government’s emphasis on improved service delivery, infrastructure renewal, digitisation and sustainable urban development as key pillars for achieving Vision 2030. The Government has consistently called on local authorities to improve service delivery standards, modernise infrastructure and develop actionable transformation plans that improve residents’ livelihoods.
The investment dialogue will run from 8am to 1pm, followed by a networking luncheon aimed at facilitating engagement between investors, policymakers and city officials.
City officials believe the forum will help unlock new financing opportunities and strengthen partnerships needed to address infrastructure deficits and support long-term urban development in the capital.
