Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE is witnessing a surge in shopping mall developments, a trend driven by ongoing economic reforms and growing private sector confidence as the country advances towards its upper middle-income economy target by 2030.
The expansion of retail infrastructure is increasingly being viewed as a catalyst for industrialisation, creating reliable markets for locally produced goods while strengthening wholesale and retail value chains.
Across the country, new malls and retail outlets are emerging, signalling a shift in investment patterns and reflecting a broader construction boom within the economy.
Centre Manager at Madokero Mall, Mr Lloyd Chavilliwa, said the expansion of such projects is aligned with national development priorities.
“This is the trend so far, and from our analysis, we are also spreading the portfolio of such projects across the country in a move that reflects how the private sector is also responding to the Government’s development agenda,” he said.
At Highland Park Shopping Mall, Centre Manager Mr Tinotenda Mabhudhu highlighted ongoing expansion efforts driven by rising demand.
“A lot is happening and here we are even expanding due to the realisation that this place has a lot of opportunities, so indeed the focus is to tap into the current construction boom and ensure that it translates into more benefits, especially the wholesale and retail value chains for the nation,” he said.
Economic analysts say the growth of retail infrastructure reflects increasing confidence in government-led reforms under the National Development Strategy 2, which prioritises industrialisation and sustainable growth.
Executive Director of Africa Economic Development Strategies, Professor Gift Mugano said the trend points to a maturing economy positioning itself for long-term expansion.
“It just speaks on that tone of sustainable development meaning what is needed to forge ahead with several projects an economy that uses the construction of malls as an element to foster growth is in the right mindset for growth so this tallies with our overall agenda of creating opportunities that enhances short to long term growth,” he said.
As more projects come on stream, the retail boom is expected to stimulate production, boost consumption and support Zimbabwe’s target of achieving a five percent growth rate by year-end.
