Online Reporter
Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) has unveiled a wide range of investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure, as the country seeks to close an estimated US$30 billion funding gap in critical development projects.
According to Zida, the real estate and housing market in Zimbabwe is rapidly evolving, presenting exciting opportunities for buyers, sellers and investors alike.
Zida said significant prospects exist in affordable and low-cost housing, high-value residential developments and the adoption of innovative construction technologies, as demand for modern housing continues to outstrip supply.
There are diverse property options and investment opportunities in the country, as the market is adapting to new preferences, with a growing number of gated communities and high-rise apartments.
On the other hand, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are gaining popularity, offering investors a way to diversify portfolios with real estate assets.
Zimbabwe’s infrastructure deficit presents a compelling case for both regional and international investors, particularly in large-scale projects tied to urban expansion and service delivery.
New city developments, alongside investments in water supply systems, wastewater management and sewage treatment, have been identified as key areas with strong long-term returns.
The Government, through Zida, has since lined up a pipeline of high-impact projects aimed at accelerating urban renewal, industrialisation and tourism growth, with a strong emphasis on private sector participation.
Among the flagship initiatives is the Urban Regeneration and Densification programme anchored on the redevelopment of the Livingstone Flats in Harare.
The project involves the demolition of existing structures and the construction of three 10-storey blocks (300 units) of flats in Livingstone Avenue in Harare’s Central Business District.
It will also focus on upgrading the trunk sewer line, as the densified settlement cannot utilise septic tanks and soak-aways.
This is expected to be carried out under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, where the Government will contribute land valued at US$600 000 and cover professional fees worth US$3,5 million, with the prospective investor expected to bring in US$24 million and recover the investment through tenant rentals at the end.
The project is designed to transform ageing residential infrastructure into modern, high-density apartments, delivering over 1 000 housing units while integrating social amenities such as childcare facilities and community spaces.
This initiative is expected to play a critical role in addressing the capital’s growing housing backlog while promoting efficient land use and curbing urban sprawl.
Complementing this is the Prospect Waterfalls Flats Development Project, which targets the delivery of modern, serviced apartments in one of Harare’s fast-growing peri-urban areas.
This project entails the construction of 100 blocks of three-storey flats in the medium-density suburb of Prospect Waterfalls, Harare and is expected to deliver 1 200 residential units, complemented by a day-care centre.
The development is poised to expand housing supply for middle-income earners, while opening up new investment opportunities in residential real estate.
Together, the two housing projects signal a deliberate shift towards vertical development and sustainable urban planning in the capital.
“Opportunities lie in affordable housing, low-cost housing, high-value residential infrastructure, and innovative construction technology.
“Furthermore, Zimbabwe also has a significant infrastructure investment gap, where an approximate US$30 billion investment is needed in just infrastructure.
“New city developments, water supply systems, wastewater and sewage reductions provide long-term investment opportunities for regional investors and infrastructure developers in the foreign market,” said Zida Investment Promotion Officer Ms Rudo Chinyani.
In the hospitality sector, investors are being invited to participate in the completion and operation of the Hilltop Hotel in Midlands Province.
The 60-room facility, which is already more than halfway complete, presents a low-entry opportunity for investors seeking exposure to Zimbabwe’s growing domestic tourism and business travel market.
Its strategic location within a key mining and industrial hub positions it to benefit from consistent demand driven by corporate and transit clientele.
The push comes amid rising interest in public-private partnerships to bridge financing gaps in capital-intensive projects, with authorities increasingly positioning the country as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.
Property sector analyst Mr Israel Magora said sustained investment in housing and infrastructure could unlock value across multiple sectors.
“Investing in housing and infrastructure could have a ripple effect, unlocking opportunities, including construction, manufacturing and financial services, while also improving living standards and supporting industrial growth, leading to increased productivity and a more robust economy,” he said.
Zimbabwe continues to prioritise infrastructure development as a cornerstone for economic recovery, with policymakers banking on private capital to accelerate delivery of key projects.
The drive to attract investment in the sector highlights Zimbabwe’s strategy to take advantage of public-private partnerships to unlock capital, modernise infrastructure and stimulate economic growth across key sectors.
Zimbabwe’s property sector has lately been experiencing growth driven by US dollar-denominated diaspora investment, high demand for secure gated communities and new commercial developments.
While residential properties in Harare command high prices, the market is shifting toward densification.
Key trends include high-yield investment options, specialised solar-powered homes and rapid growth in peri-urban areas.
Londile Moyo