Harare Crime Ranking

Harare has been ranked among the world’s safer cities in the latest Numbeo Crime Index (image source)

HARARE — Zimbabwe’s capital has been ranked among the world’s safer cities in the latest Numbeo Crime Index, a positioning that officials say could bolster the city’s appeal to investors and tourists despite persistent governance challenges.

Numbeo’s survey places Harare 67th out of 400 global cities, with an overall Crime Index of 60.7 and a Safety Index of 39.3. The index, which aggregates public perceptions of property and violent crime, shows a mixed picture. While the risk of being attacked when walking alone at night is relatively low, corruption and bribery scored 88.01, making it the highest perceived threat in the city.

City officials welcomed the ranking as a positive signal for the local economy. Tourism and investment promotion agencies said the data can be used to reassure potential visitors and business partners, but cautioned that perception must be matched by visible reforms. “Rankings like this are useful, but they must be backed by action on corruption and improved public services,” a municipal official said, noting that sustained reductions in bribery and graft would be essential to convert perception gains into long-term investor confidence.

Regional context in the Numbeo report highlights several South African cities among the most dangerous globally, while Lagos also features high on the list of risk-heavy urban centres. Analysts said Harare’s relative standing offers an opportunity for targeted marketing, but urged authorities to publish complementary crime statistics and anti-corruption metrics to provide a fuller, evidence-based picture.

Civil society groups welcomed the spotlight on corruption, saying the high bribery score undermines public trust and economic competitiveness. They urged the Government to prioritise transparency in procurement and strengthen anti-corruption enforcement to protect both residents and investors.