Staff Reporter
Construction of the US$100 million Afreximbank Southern Africa Regional Office and Trade Centre in Harare is progressing well, with completion expected by September this year. The landmark project is set to boost Zimbabwe’s status as a key trade and business hub in the region.
The facility, which was made possible after the government allocated land to Afreximbank in 2021, is a significant step in restoring business confidence and enhancing Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.
During an assessment of the project yesterday, Dr. Mike Juru, CEO of Integrated Properties, the firm managing the development, confirmed that construction is at an advanced stage.
“The purpose of this assessment is to monitor and evaluate the project scope, taking into account the fact that most of the construction works are reaching finalisation,” said Dr. Juru.
“We are on track to meet all of our targets riding on the current developments. Our goal is to complete all works by September,” he added.
Beyond its physical development, the Afreximbank Trade Centre is expected to transform Zimbabwe’s business environment by positioning the country as a safe and viable investment destination.
Dr. Juru emphasised the project’s role in expanding Harare’s business portfolio.
“We hope this facility will further scale up the capital city’s business potential. We have already started identifying potential occupants, and our focus is also on embracing green building structures.
“We are destined for exciting times as we seek to establish this centre as a regional business and economic hub. This project is set to be an economic catalyst for growth, aligning with Zimbabwe’s current trajectory,” he added.
The Afreximbank Trade Centre will feature a regional office, a world-class hotel, a conference centre, business facilities, trade information hubs, and shopping malls, among other key developments.
Afreximbank’s commitment to Zimbabwe continues to grow, with the Egypt-headquartered Pan-African Bank pledging further support for the country’s economic development. This includes providing long-term loans and funding facilities at concessionary rates, ensuring sustained economic momentum.
With the project nearing completion, Zimbabwe is poised to benefit from increased trade activity, enhanced investor confidence, and greater regional integration.
