Story by Wellington Makonese
HARARE – ZIMBABWE’S growing reputation as a prime investment destination continues to attract global interest, with Radisson Hotel Group officially breaking ground on its first hotel in the country, set to be established in Harare.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held this Wednesday, marks a historic moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sector, as the internationally renowned hotel chain brings its brand to the country for the first time.
The project, which is being delivered through a partnership with WestProp Holdings, is expected to be completed within the next six months and is widely seen as a reflection of investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic direction and development prospects.
Radisson Hotel Group Vice President for Development, Mr Ramsay Rankoussi, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and praised the conducive business environment.
“We are proud to launch the first Radisson Hotel in Zimbabwe. This initiative not only enhances our African portfolio, but creates employment and stimulates the local economy. Zimbabwe was one of the few countries on the continent where Radisson was not yet present, today, that changes. We salute the government for fostering a transparent, stable, and investment-friendly environment. These are the fundamentals required for progress, and Zimbabwe is demonstrating them clearly,” he said.
The investment also signals confidence in Zimbabwe’s long-term development strategy, as articulated in Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate the country to an upper-middle income economy.
WestProp Holdings’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ken Sharpe, described the development as a record-setting achievement for the local construction and real estate industry.
“This Radisson project is a milestone. We are raising the bar in Zimbabwe’s construction and development space. It is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when international expertise meets local ambition.”
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, hailed the development as a tangible manifestation of Vision 2030.
“This is indeed a momentous occasion, not only for WestProp but for Zimbabwe at large. It is a testament to our collective ambition to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy. From an undeveloped site just a few years ago to today, with multiple blocks completed and now this world-class hotel, we are witnessing real, impactful progress. The arrival of a globally respected brand like Radisson signals to the world that Zimbabwe is open for business.”
The Radisson Hotel Group, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operates in 95 countries, with a global portfolio of around 1 500 hotels.
Its entry into the Zimbabwean market aligns with the government’s efforts to modernise infrastructure, boost tourism, and reposition the country as a competitive destination in global markets.
