Masiyiwa Unveils US$1 Billion Econet Tech City to Drive Zimbabwe Industrialisation

HARARE – Strive Masiyiwa, founder and group chairman of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, has announced plans for a high-tech industrial hub in Harare—Econet Tech City—aimed at attracting global investors and accelerating Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive. The ambitious project will be developed under Econet InfraCo, a recently listed entity on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, with an estimated valuation of around US$1 billion.

Masiyiwa said the concept draws inspiration from successful developments across Africa and Asia, including the Eko Atlantic project in Nigeria, where Econet already operates a major data centre facility.

“Modern international investors don’t like hassles when they plan to build a factory or high-tech facility,” he said. “They prefer locations where everything they need is readily available.”

He explained that Tech City will operate as a “one-stop shop,” offering integrated services such as reliable power, water, fibre connectivity, security, logistics, and legal support under a unified management structure.

Econet InfraCo has secured an 800-acre site near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which is earmarked for transformation into a self-contained industrial zone, subject to government approvals. The development is expected to host up to 300 companies and create more than 20,000 jobs once fully operational, making it one of Zimbabwe’s largest private sector-led infrastructure projects.

Masiyiwa said the project will feature cutting-edge infrastructure, including:

• A 100MW solar power plant

• High-speed fibre connectivity

• Industrial waste management systems

• High-security systems with CCTV and drone surveillance

“The goal is to build a self-sufficient ‘city within a city’,” he said.

The hub will also include essential amenities such as a shopping centre and a clinic, though it will not incorporate residential housing.

Econet already operates a 5MW data centre in Willowvale and plans to expand capacity with a 10MW facility within the Tech City precinct, positioning Zimbabwe as a potential regional data and digital services hub. Masiyiwa said architectural and engineering designs are already underway, with some solar infrastructure components expected to be sourced from China.

Masiyiwa acknowledged that Zimbabwe faces stiff competition from regional investment hubs such as Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Kigali.

“Zimbabwe is competing with major cities across Africa. This could be a great partnership if it is supported,” he said, emphasising the need for government incentives and regulatory backing.

Industry analyst Tinashe Chikomba said the success of the project will depend on policy consistency.

“Large-scale industrial parks require investor confidence, stable regulations and efficient approvals. If those conditions are met, this project could be transformative,” he said.

Econet InfraCo plans to roll out the project in phases once approvals are secured, with early interest already emerging from international investors. Masiyiwa stressed that the initiative is not meant to be exclusive, encouraging similar developments across Zimbabwe and the continent.

“This model can be replicated. It’s about creating ecosystems that support industrial growth and economic transformation,” he said.

Econet Tech City Zimbabwe