The government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates-based conglomerate Mulk International, is developing Zim Cyber City, a mixed-use real estate project in Mount Hampden, approximately 26 kilometers northwest of Harare. President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on July 20, 2022, framing the initiative as a key part of the country’s national development strategy.
The project is being constructed on land designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a status which, according to government statements, provides developers with a range of incentives. These include a five-year exemption from corporate income tax, duty-free importation of construction materials, and permission to conduct transactions in foreign currency.
According to Mulk International, the initial phase of construction is backed by a $500 million investment. The developer has stated that the completed project is projected to have a value of $60 billion. Plans for the development include luxury villas, commercial towers, office buildings, a high-end shopping mall, and advanced security systems. The project is situated near the new Parliament of Zimbabwe building, also located in Mount Hampden, as part of a broader government plan to establish a new administrative center outside the current capital.
At the groundbreaking event, President Mnangagwa stated that Zim Cyber City is envisioned as a “smart city” that will attract investment, promote technological innovation, and provide modern infrastructure. The government has promoted the project as a catalyst for economic growth and modernization in line with its “Vision 2030” goals. Shaji Ul Mulk, chairman of Mulk International, said the development would be a “unique, iconic, and state-of-the-art mixed-use development.”
The project has also been a subject of public debate and has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society organizations. Critics have questioned the project’s priorities and transparency, citing Zimbabwe’s broader economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment. Tendai Biti, a prominent opposition politician with the Citizens Coalition for Change party, has publicly raised concerns about the land allocation and the financial terms of the agreement.
Questions have also been raised by local watchdog groups regarding the land acquisition process and the potential impact on the surrounding communities. The development contrasts with the economic conditions experienced by many citizens, a point frequently highlighted by its critics. Government officials have responded by asserting that the project will create jobs and generate downstream economic benefits for the country. Construction on the initial phases of the project is ongoing.
