Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) recorded a sharp rebound in trading activity during June, signalling renewed investor interest in property-backed securities despite a slight decline in the sector’s overall market value.
Latest ZSE market statistics show that turnover more than doubled to ZiG50,4 million in June from ZiG22,3 million in May, while traded volumes surged 142 percent to 46,5 million units from 19,2 million units over the same period.
The number of transactions also increased significantly to 798 in June from 577 in May, making it the busiest month for REIT trading during the first half of 2026.
The improvement in trading activity came even as the combined market capitalisation of listed REITs edged down marginally to ZiG2,77 billion at the end of June, reflecting softer valuations despite stronger investor participation.
The ZSE currently hosts two listed REITs, Tigere REIT and Revitus Property Opportunities REIT, which were introduced to deepen Zimbabwe’s capital markets and broaden investment opportunities.
REITs allow investors to pool capital into professionally managed, income-generating property portfolios while providing property developers and institutional investors with an alternative source of long-term funding through the capital markets.
Tigere REIT recently declared a quarterly dividend of US$1 002 207, equivalent to 0,0544 US cents per unit, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
The fund also expects to complete the acquisition of four yield-accretive commercial real estate assets during 2026 under its retained pre-emptive rights, a move expected to strengthen its income-generating portfolio and support future returns to investors.
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange chief executive officer, Mr Justin Bgoni, recently said growing trading activity showed that REITs were gradually becoming an increasingly important component of Zimbabwe’s capital market.
“REITs continue to gain traction among investors as awareness of the asset class increases. We are seeing improving liquidity and broader market participation, which is critical for the continued development of the product,” he said.
Despite June’s strong recovery, trading activity remained below the peak recorded in March, when turnover reached ZiG90 million and traded volumes climbed to nearly 78 million units.
However, the steady increase in the number of trades since the beginning of the year suggests that investor participation is broadening, reflecting growing confidence in listed property investment vehicles.
Economist, Mr Walter Mapfumo, said the increase in trading volumes was an encouraging development for Zimbabwe’s relatively young REIT market, as it indicated that investors were increasingly recognising listed property as a viable investment option.
