The Mall of Zimbabwe set to be biggest retail investment

WestProp Holdings Limited is positioning its upcoming retail development, The Mall of Zimbabwe, to become the country's largest commercial complex, with an estimated value of US$100 million. The project, which has been in planning for several years, is now gaining momentum as South African retail developer Exemplar REITail Limited moves to finalise leases and redesign an expanded blueprint. Groundbreaking is expected in early 2026.

The Mall of Zimbabwe is projected to offer a peak gross lettable area of 90 000 square metres, making it a flagship one-stop destination for shopping, dining, business and leisure. Developers envision the complex as a modern lifestyle hub featuring local, regional and international brands under one roof.

WestProp chief executive officer Ken Sharpe told businessdigest that the development will reshape Zimbabwe's retail landscape through scale, innovation and a comprehensive customer experience. He said the mall will introduce smart technologies, including digital navigation systems, energy-efficient infrastructure and advanced security solutions.

According to Sharpe, the project will move beyond traditional retail by integrating leisure and interactive elements into the commercial space. Plans include large event areas, exhibition facilities and environmentally conscious architectural features designed to meet global sustainability standards. He believes the development will attract new brands to the Zimbabwean market, heighten competition and transform consumer expectations.

The anticipated economic impact is significant. Sharpe said the construction phase alone is expected to generate thousands of jobs across engineering, skilled trade, project management and supply chain sectors, with knock-on effects for industries such as cement, steel production and transportation. Once the mall is operational, permanent employment opportunities are projected to arise in retail, hospitality, management, maintenance and security.

With more than 150 tenants expected, the development is set to support thousands of direct jobs and additional indirect employment opportunities. Sharpe emphasised that the retail mix would be curated to balance global anchor tenants with regional players and emerging local enterprises, ensuring that the development supports both international competitiveness and domestic business growth.

He said the design reflects a long-term commitment to community upliftment and inclusive economic participation, positioning The Mall of Zimbabwe as a benchmark for modern retail infrastructure in the country.