Afreximbank Trade Centre Elevates Harare Skyline
- Southerton Business Times
- Sep 21, 2025
- 2 min read
The African Export-Import Bank’s US$80 million Southern Africa Regional Office and Trade Centre is nearing completion in Harare, promising to reshape the capital’s skyline and boost its profile as a continental trade hub. Located at the intersection of Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Livingstone Avenue and 7th Street, the mixed-use complex features Grade A office space, a 200-room hotel, a 5 000-seat conference and exhibition centre, a digital innovation hub, and extensive parking facilities.
Structural work finished in July, with internal fit-outs now 85 percent complete. Property managers Integrated Properties began taking tenant applications in August, reporting strong international interest.
“This game-changing development is poised to revolutionise the local property market, bringing together international trade heavyweights under one sustainable and modern roof.”— Mike Juru, CEO, Integrated Properties
A Strategic Boost for Harare
Construction, which began in September 2022, is led by Oman Shapoorji Company LLC alongside local contractors. The 31 686 m² complex includes 12-storey glass office towers, breakout suites, and a rooftop event terrace designed to host summits and AfCFTA-aligned negotiations.
Economist Dr Tendai Chikore said the timing was strategic:
“Harare needs a flagship venue for trade fairs and investor roadshows. This centre could anchor a string of export-oriented manufacturing and services firms.”
Neighbouring businesses on 8th Street report a surge in construction traffic and security patrols since June. “Noise aside, this signals confidence—multinationals are scouting the area,” said Thabo Gumbo, a logistics manager.
Key Features
Hotel: 200 rooms; rooftop event terrace
Conference Centre: 5 000-seat hall; five breakout rooms
Office Space: 10 000 m² Grade A rentals
Innovation Hub: tech labs; co-working suites
Amenities: restaurant, bar, 400-lot basement parking
Bulawayo24 reports the complex’s US$100 million valuation reflects heavy investment in green systems—solar panels, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient HVAC—designed to reduce operational costs by 25 percent.
Background
Afreximbank, founded in 1993, promotes intra-African trade. Former RBZ governor Dr John Mangudya championed the Harare hub, citing Zimbabwe’s strategic location and road-rail corridors. Financing came from the African Development Bank and China Eximbank.
The facility will integrate a customs office and banking services under one roof.
“By integrating customs and banking, traders can complete documentation, secure finance and ship consignments within days,” said export development specialist Lydia Mutasa.
What Comes Next
An official commissioning is scheduled for 15 October, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Afreximbank President Professor Benedict Oramah expected to officiate. Tenant fit-outs continue through November, with leases commencing in December. Integrated Properties plans a virtual tour launch in late October to woo tenants from manufacturing, fintech and agribusiness.
As Harare braces for this addition to its skyline, the Afreximbank Trade Centre is set to become a beacon for cross-border commerce, investment promotion and SME growth—unlocking opportunities long constrained by outdated infrastructure.
References
The Financial Gazette – “Afreximbank office nears completion,” 6 Feb 2025.
Bulawayo24 News – “Afreximbank’s $100 million Harare Trade Centre nears completion,” 12 Apr 2025.
Business Times – “Afreximbank trade centre nears completion,” 20 Feb 2025.
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