HARARE, Jan. 26 (NewsDay Live) – Econet InfraCo says it has appointed an architectural firm to develop a comprehensive masterplan for a large-scale industrial park to be established on a 300-hectare site near the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
The project forms part of the Econet Group’s broader strategy to leverage its infrastructure capabilities to support industrialisation, technology development, and export-led growth in Zimbabwe.
Econet Group chief executive officer, Douglas Mboweni said the architects have been mandated to benchmark the project against successful industrial and technology parks in Asia, where integrated, export-focused zones have played a catalytic role in economic transformation.
“We want to create a world-class One-Stop-Shop for companies targeting export markets,” said Mboweni.
“This industrial park is being designed to support a new generation of globally competitive businesses – from advanced manufacturing and logistics to technology and agritech enterprises.”
He said the park will also house Econet’s own data centre services, positioning it as a critical digital backbone for companies operating within the zone and beyond.
Mboweni said once the masterplan is finalised, Econet InfraCo will engage the government to secure the necessary approvals and to propose a package of investor incentives aimed at enhancing the park’s competitiveness as a regional investment destination.
“Our objective is to work closely with government to ensure the project aligns with national development priorities, while also offering an attractive and predictable operating environment for international and local investors,” he said.
- Mboweni mentors emerging entrepreneurs, calls for integrity in business
- Feature: Why Zim’s growing debt is a cause for alarm
- All set for the 2022 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon
- Mboweni mentors emerging entrepreneurs, calls for integrity in business
Keep Reading
The development will feature dedicated technology hubs intended to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among young Zimbabweans seeking to build scalable tech-enabled businesses.
The site was strategically selected due to its proximity to the country’s main international airport, a key advantage for export-oriented firms, as well as the availability of reliable water resources.
The park will be supported by independent power supply infrastructure, internal service roads, modern security systems, and centralised administration facilities.
To implement the project, Econet InfraCo will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will be responsible for the development, management, and global marketing of the industrial park.
The announcement follows Econet’s recent disclosure of plans to list Econet InfraCo on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals — a move expected to unlock long-term capital for infrastructure expansion.
Econet InfraCo owns, operates and manages Econet’s national portfolio of passive telecommunications and infrastructure assets, making it Zimbabwe’s largest private infrastructure group. Its portfolio spans telecommunications towers, power infrastructure, and real estate, positioning the company as a key enabler of digital connectivity and industrial development.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of sustainable economic growth,” said Mboweni.
“This project is about building platforms that allow businesses, innovators, and exporters to thrive — not just today, but for decades to come.”
