GURUVE, a once-quiet district in Mashonaland Central, is rapidly transforming into a prime destination for both commercial and residential investment. Demand for stands has surged, largely driven by increased mining activity in the district.
At the heart of this boom is Eureka Mine, one of Zimbabwe's largest gold mining operations, which has attracted workers and businesses alike, all seeking opportunities in the growing town.
Major players in the retail sector have also taken note of Guruve’s growth potential. OK Zimbabwe, one of the country’s largest supermarket chains, has recently acquired a commercial stand in the area, signaling confidence in Guruve's economic future. This is just the beginning of what appears to be a wave of investment poised to transform the district.
Demand for residential stands is also on the rise, primarily driven by those involved in the mining and agriculture value chain—workers, suppliers, and service providers who are moving into the area to be closer to their places of work.
Guruve’s strategic location, only a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Harare, is another key factor contributing to the surge in demand. The town is located along the Harare-Kanyemba Highway, which has been receiving significant upgrades under the government’s infrastructure modernization agenda.
The highway is expected to become a vital trade route, especially once the Kanyemba Bridge is completed, saving 600 kilometers off the Johannesburg-DRC route and 100 kilometers off the Johannesburg-Zambia route, compared to the Chirundu route.
Alinial Chartered Accountants, a local investment firm, is also contributing to Guruve’s transformation. The firm is in the advanced stages of developing a state-of-the-art boarding primary and secondary school in the growth point. This investment will provide quality education to both locals and the influx of people drawn to the district by the growing economic opportunities.
Acting CEO of Guruve Rural District Council (RDC), Munyengetero Maposa, highlighted the district's strategic efforts in attracting and retaining investment: "Guruve is rapidly emerging as a significant player in Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, and the influx of investors across sectors, particularly in mining and retail, is a testament to our district’s growth potential. We are not just welcoming investors; we are actively creating a conducive environment for their success."
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"From modernizing infrastructure to streamlining investment processes, Guruve RDC is fully committed to ensuring that investors have the support and resources they need to thrive here. Our goal is to build long-term partnerships that will transform Guruve into a regional economic hub," he said.
Maposa also highlighted the council's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that all investors, whether in mining, agriculture, retail, education, or infrastructure, receive the support they need to succeed. Our partnership with IAPAZ and the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs is just one example of how we are facilitating collaboration for sustainable economic growth," he said.
Guruve’s proximity to the oil and gas exploration efforts by Invictus Energy in the neighboring Muzarabani District is another draw for investors. The Harare-Kanyemba Highway will serve as a crucial link, further boosting the district’s role as a strategic hub for trade, agriculture, mining, and tourism, given its gateway status to the Mbire district which is a gateway to Zambia and DRC.
Recognizing these opportunities, Guruve RDC has launched a vigorous marketing campaign to attract both local and international investors. One of the key initiatives in this campaign is the district’s inaugural SMEs breakfast, scheduled for November 1, 2024. This event, co-hosted by the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ) and the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs, is designed to showcase investment opportunities in the district and foster partnerships with both local entrepreneurs.
Nyasha Gonese, President of IAPAZ, commended the exceptional leadership of Guruve RDC.
"Out of more than 50 local authorities we reached out to, Guruve RDC stood out by being the first to respond—and remarkably, within just 48 hours of receiving our proposal, they agreed to co-host the district SMEs networking event. This swift and enthusiastic response reflects not only the proactive and visionary leadership of the council but also the province’s deep commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. Such decisive action is exactly what sets Guruve apart as a top destination for investment."
As Guruve continues to evolve, its combination of strategic location, booming mining activities, and forward-thinking local governance is turning it into one of Zimbabwe’s most attractive investment destinations. Investors are increasingly looking to Guruve as a district on the rise, with opportunities that promise both economic growth and community development.
