Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) continues to attract a diverse range of listings from across the economy, with the latest milestone being the listing of its first Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) since its inception in 2020.
The Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT), a subsidiary of Zimre Holdings Limited, becomes VFEX’s 16th listed counter and the first listing of the year 2025.
“This signifies a strategic shift towards leveraging offshore capital for domestic infrastructure development. It sets a clear precedent for future REIT listings on the VFEX and signals Zimbabwe’s readiness to align with global trends in property securitisation and investment diversification,” Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube noted.
The Eagle REIT and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange believe the VFEX is uniquely positioned to mobilise capital for high-impact development projects across the country, offering competitive returns that reward investor participation.
“More profoundly, we are aligning with the government’s strategic thrust in designating Victoria Falls as a Special Economic Zone for tourism development and offshore financial services. This policy makes it easier for us in the private sector to act as catalysts in achieving the national vision. Through the REIT, we are pooling resources and drawing in other investors to develop critical projects within the zone,” Zimre Holdings Limited chairperson, Mr Desmond Matete stated.
“This listing provides investors with exposure to Zimbabwe’s real estate sector through a secure and structured format, while leveraging the unique advantages VFEX offers. It sends a clear signal to the market, to our diaspora, international investors, pension funds, and asset managers, that Zimbabwe is open to sophisticated, long-term capital. It tells the world that we are not just surviving. We are building, innovating, and thriving. Like the eagle, we are soaring,” ZSE Group Board Chairperson, Ms Caroline Sandura said.
VFEX is increasingly seen as the ideal platform for attracting both domestic and international capital, supporting economic growth through investment in high-impact sectors.
REITs are a unique asset class that allows investors to participate in large-scale, income-generating real estate ventures without directly owning or managing property.
They offer transparency, liquidity, and diversification, critical features that appeal to both institutional and retail investors.
