AS Zimbabwe seeks to revitalise its economy and attract foreign investment, a new player has emerged on the financial scene: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Once a rarity in emerging markets, REITs are now being embraced by Zimbabwe as a vital tool for unlocking capital, promoting economic growth, and providing a new avenue for investors to tap into the country's burgeoning real estate sector.

In this article, we will delve into the exciting developments and explore how Zimbabwe is harnessing the potential of REITs to transform its investment landscape.

As a vehicle for property investment, REITs offer a compelling opportunity to channel domestic and international capital into Zimbabwe’s real estate market.

However, the adoption of REITs is not a straightforward process, it is a complex journey shaped by a myriad of economic, regulatory, and social factors.

To truly understand Zimbabwe's journey, it is essential to analyse it against the backdrop of experiences from developed and developing markets.

The introduction and growth of REITs in Zimbabwe must be understood within its unique economic environment. Decades of hyperinflation, currency instability, and economic sanctions have left Zimbabwe with a fragile financial system.

These challenges have historically deterred long-term investments, particularly in sectors like real estate that require significant capital outlay. However, ongoing economic reforms and a more stable macroeconomic environment have set the stage for new investment vehicles like REITs to flourish.

Drawing parallels with Brazil, another emerging market, reveals instructive similarities and contrasts. Like Zimbabwe, Brazil has faced economic turbulence, including high inflation and political instability.

However, Brazil successfully introduced REITs in the early 2000s by offering tax incentives and regulatory support, attracting local and foreign investors.

Similarly, Zimbabwe can leverage its economic stabilisation efforts to attract investment into its nascent REIT market. However, unlike Brazil, Zimbabwe's economic policies must align with global investment standards to build investor confidence, a critical factor in sustaining REITs.

In comparison, developed markets like the United States offer a different narrative. Established in the 1960s, the United States (US) REIT market has grown into one of the largest globally, driven by a robust legal framework and a deep capital market.

Zimbabwe’s challenge lies in adapting lessons from the US, such as the importance of transparency, governance, and investor protection, to its context.

However, Zimbabwe must tailor these lessons to its market realities, which include a smaller investor base and a nascent financial sector.

Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in the successful adoption of REITs. Zimbabwe’s regulatory environment has been characterised by frequent changes, which can create uncertainty for investors.

Recent legislative changes have supported the introduction of REITs in Zimbabwe, but more needs to be done to create a conducive environment for their growth.

The experiences of South Africa and Kenya, two African markets that have successfully implemented REITs, provide valuable insights.

With its well-established REIT market, South Africa offers a blueprint for regulatory success. The South African model emphasises clear tax incentives, strong governance structures, and a supportive regulatory environment.

By adopting a similar approach, Zimbabwe can attract institutional and retail investors. Kenya’s experience, on the other hand, highlights the importance of market education and investor awareness.

Despite a robust legal framework, Kenya’s REIT market has slowed growth, partly due to a lack of understanding among potential investors. Zimbabwe should prioritise investor education to avoid similar pitfalls.

Comparing these experiences with developed markets like the United Kingdom further underscores the importance of regulatory clarity. The United Kingdom’s REIT market has benefited from clear and consistent regulations, which have fostered investor trust and market growth.

Zimbabwe can learn from this by ensuring that its REIT regulations are clear and stable to provide long-term security for investors.

Social and demographic factors are also critical in shaping the adoption of REITs. Zimbabwe’s young and growing population and increasing urbanisation present a significant opportunity for real estate development.

The demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties is expected to rise, creating a favourable environment for REITs. However, the challenge lies in making real estate investment accessible to a broader population segment.

In this regard, the experiences of India and Nigeria are particularly relevant. India’s REIT market has leveraged the country’s rapid urbanisation and growing middle class to drive investment in commercial real estate.

Similarly, with its large and youthful population, Nigeria has seen increasing interest in REITs to invest in urban development.

Zimbabwe can adopt a similar approach by focusing on developing affordable housing and urban infrastructure, which can be funded through REITs.

However, unlike India and Nigeria, Zimbabwe must address the issue of income inequality, which could limit the widespread adoption of REITs if not appropriately managed. The global context offers both opportunities and challenges for Zimbabwe’s REIT market. As global investors increasingly seek diversification into emerging markets, Zimbabwe has the potential to attract significant foreign capital.

However, this will require aligning its market practices with international standards. The experiences of Australia, where REITs have become a preferred investment vehicle for domestic and international investors, offer a valuable lesson in market openness and investor protection.

Zimbabwe must position itself as a reliable and attractive destination for global real estate investment by adopting best practices from mature markets.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s REIT market holds significant promise. The country’s economic recovery and supportive regulatory reforms provide a solid foundation for growth.  However, the success of REITs in Zimbabwe will depend on the government’s ability to create a stable and predictable investment environment and the private sector’s capacity to innovate and meet the demands of a changing market.

Zimbabwe’s journey with REITs is just beginning, but the growth potential is immense. By learning from both developed and emerging markets, Zimbabwe can craft a REIT market that attracts investment and contributes to the country's broader economic development.

The path forward will require a delicate balance of regulatory reform, economic stability, and market education. If successfully navigated, Zimbabwe could emerge as a leading REIT market in Africa, offering valuable lessons for other emerging economies worldwide.

  • Juru is the chief executive officer at Integrated Properties.