WestProp Unveils Ambitious Mall of Zimbabwe Project Valued at US$100 Million

WestProp advances plans for the US$100 million Mall of Zimbabwe, set to become the country’s largest retail complex (image source)

Harare — WestProp Holdings Limited is pressing ahead with The Mall of Zimbabwe, an ambitious US$100 million retail complex set to become the country’s largest commercial development. The long-anticipated project has gained renewed momentum as South African retail developer Exemplar REITail Limited works to finalise anchor leases and refine an expanded blueprint ahead of a planned groundbreaking in early 2026.

Designed to offer a peak gross lettable area of 90,000 square metres, The Mall of Zimbabwe is envisioned as a comprehensive destination for shopping, dining, business and entertainment. Developers say the centre will accommodate more than 150 tenants, blending global anchor brands with regional retailers and emerging local enterprises. The tenant mix is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s retail competitiveness while stimulating domestic business growth.

WestProp chief executive Ken Sharpe told BusinessDigest that the project will transform the nation’s retail landscape through both scale and technological innovation. Planned smart features include digital navigation systems, energy-efficient infrastructure and advanced security technologies. Sustainability is a core element of the design, with environmentally conscious architecture and operational efficiencies intended to align with global green-building standards.

Beyond retail, the development will incorporate extensive leisure and experiential components. Proposed features include large event spaces, exhibition facilities and interactive zones aimed at attracting families, tourists and business visitors. Developers believe these amenities will extend visitor dwell time, boost ancillary spending and position the mall as a regional lifestyle and events hub.

The project is expected to deliver significant economic impact. Sharpe estimated that construction will generate thousands of jobs across engineering, skilled trades, project management and supply chains, benefiting sectors such as cement, steel and transport. Once operational, the mall is projected to support thousands of direct and indirect jobs across retail, hospitality, facilities management and security.

Exemplar REITail’s participation signals renewed regional investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s retail sector. The company is currently securing anchor leases and refining the tenant mix to ensure a balance between international attraction and local inclusion. Sharpe emphasised that curated tenancy will be critical for long-term viability, enabling smaller local enterprises to scale alongside established global brands.

WestProp has also framed the development as a commitment to community advancement. The company plans to prioritise local procurement where possible and explore skills-development programmes to prepare workers for roles in construction and retail. Sharpe said the project reflects a long-term vision for inclusive growth and economic participation.

Developers acknowledge challenges ahead, including securing financing, navigating municipal approvals and ensuring adequate infrastructure for traffic, utilities and waste management. They say they are working with city authorities to address these issues and align the project with broader urban planning objectives. If completed on schedule, The Mall of Zimbabwe could become a landmark of the country’s retail evolution, attracting new brands, expanding consumer choice and generating substantial employment. The coming months will focus on finalising design work, locking in tenant commitments and mobilising construction finance ahead of the projected 2026 start.