Mathew Masinge
KAROI — The US$1.8 million Twin Gate Shopping Complex, owned by South African-based Industrial Psychologist, young entrepreneur and businessman Hillary Tomu, has emerged as one of the notable private commercial developments in Karoi, bringing new retail space, business opportunities and employment to the town.
Construction of Twin Gate Shopping Complex began in February 2025 and was completed in March 2026, following just over a year of construction.
The complex was officially opened in April 2026, marking the completion of the first phase of Tomu’s broader investment plans for the property.
The development comprises approximately 21 shops and commercial units, providing space for a range of businesses and services.
Among its tenants and attractions are established businesses as well as the popular 24 Missed Calls entertainment venue.
About 75% of the available commercial space has already been occupied, reflecting growing business activity at the complex.
Twin Gate was developed by Hillary Tomu, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur based in South Africa, where he works professionally as an Industrial Psychologist while also pursuing various business interests.
Tomu said the decision to establish Twin Gate came from a desire to invest some of the resources he had accumulated through his professional career and business activities back home in Zimbabwe.
For Tomu, however, the completion of the US$1.8 million shopping complex represents the beginning rather than the end of his plans for Twin Gate.
The next phase will include a service station estimated to cost approximately US$300,000, alongside a hotel, medical centre, gas retail facility, and gym and fitness centre.
The additional developments are expected to involve a combined investment of more than US$1 million, with the broader expansion targeted for completion by 2028.
“Twin Gate is a long-term development, and our intention is to continue investing in facilities that are needed in Karoi. These developments will create more jobs for local residents while also bringing additional services closer to the community,” Tomu said.
The proposed medical centre is expected to broaden access to healthcare services in Karoi, while the planned hotel will provide additional accommodation for visitors, business travellers and people passing through the town.
The gym and fitness centre and gas retail facility will further diversify the services offered within the Twin Gate development.
Hillary Tomu said his longer-term objective is to transform Twin Gate from a shopping complex into a broader commercial and service destination capable of contributing to Karoi’s economic growth.
“When I decided to invest back home, I wanted to build something that would have a lasting impact. It is encouraging to see businesses operating from Twin Gate and people earning a living from the development. The next phase is about expanding that impact and creating even more opportunities,” Tomu said.
With US$1.8 million already invested in the shopping complex and further developments valued at more than US$1 million planned through 2028, Twin Gate represents a growing private investment footprint in Karoi and an ambitious long-term development programme being driven by a young Zimbabwean entrepreneur investing back home from South Africa.
Online Reporter