THE Harare Institute of Technology will spearhead the construction of a multi-million-dollar integrated smart city and innovation hub, the Hi-Tech Development Valley, in Harare, in a development expected to redefine Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and technology-driven growth trajectory.
The futuristic innovation ecosystem and ambitious project, to be developed in collaboration with Hi-Tech Development Valley Investments (Pvt) Ltd, is being positioned as a world-class innovation precinct aligned with the Second Republic’s Education 5.0 model and Zimbabwe’s vision of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
The Hi-Tech Development Valley will be on 194 hectares in Belvedere near Harare Institute of Technology and is expected to become a flagship integrated smart city and innovation hub.
The project will integrate residential, commercial, industrial and academic infrastructure within a smart and sustainable urban environment.
The Hi-Tech Development Valley will also integrate ICT and smart city utilities as part of efforts to create a globally competitive smart and sustainable innovation precinct.
Harare Institute of Technology has since called for expression of interest from firms or consortiums with expertise in large-scale urban developments, smart infrastructure, science and technology hubs or integrated township projects.
Those with interests are expected to facilitate land development, conduct feasibility studies, undertake master planning and detailed engineering, facilitate financing and initiate operations.
“This revolutionary development aims to foster innovation, establish a futuristic, innovation-driven precinct integrating residential, commercial, industrial and academic zones, an ecosystem designed to lead technology transfer, industrial growth, industrialisation and high-quality living, within a sustainable, smart, and inclusive urban environment.
“This development is inspired by global models like Silicon Valley (USA), Konza Technopolis (Kenya), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shenzhen Industrial Park (China), i-Park (Malaysia) and Hoa Lac Hi-tech (Vietnam), but tailored to Zimbabwe’s cultural, regulatory, and development context,” said Harare Institute of Technology in its invitation.
The university said the project was specifically designed in line with the Education 5.0 philosophy and Zimbabwe’s broader development thrust.
According to the institution, the Hi-Tech Development Valley will be “a next generation African innovation precinct, not a replica, but a contextual evolution.”
The project is expected to support the commercialisation of research, attract global talent and investors and accelerate the development of science-driven industries.
“This is designed to define Education 5.0, and create an afro-centric innovation ecosystem, to redefine Zimbabwe’s development thrust.
“The Hi-Tech Development Valley will serve as a flagship integrated smart city in Zimbabwe and an innovation ecosystem, bringing together collaborative cutting-edge research, advanced manufacturing, residential, advanced technological, medical and lifestyle amenities.
“Strategically planned to attract global talent, investors and enterprises, the Hi-Tech Development Valley will support the commercialisation of research and the development of science-driven industries, while providing ample space to live, work and play.”
Harare Institute of Technology said the process calling for expression of interest sought to identify prospective partners and developers with the capability and vision to deliver the world-class Hi-Tech Development Valley through public-private partnerships, joint ventures and build-operate-transfer models.
The institution said the initiative seeks to foster innovation ecosystems integrating industry, academia and Government, while promoting investment in high-tech sectors, industrialisation, technology transfer and commercialisation.
Among the major components of the project are 320 high-quality residential properties designed for researchers, professionals and families, with the houses expected to promote sustainable living through modern and futuristic green infrastructure. The residential component will offer various housing models.
The Hi-Tech Development Valley will also include a 2 000-bed high-end university student residence featuring high-rise accommodation blocks with mini-libraries, cafeterias, kitchens, study pods, mini marts, insulated walls, underground basements, communal areas, access control systems, laundry rooms, elevators and technology-enabled services.
A 300-bed luxury hotel with a minimum four-star rating and a 5 400-seater conference centre with multiple breakout rooms and ballrooms are also part of the proposed development.
At the core of the project will be a Science and Technology Park and an industrial park focused on advanced manufacturing, research and innovation-driven enterprises.
The Science and Technology Park will have dedicated zones for research organisations and technology providers, while high-tech industry clusters will focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, semiconductors, clean energy and aerospace.
“The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art ecosystem focused on high-tech industries, advanced manufacturing, research and development, technology incubation, and innovation-driven enterprises,” said Harare Institute of Techology.
The innovation ecosystem will also include innovation and incubation centres to support start-ups, spin-offs and entrepreneurs, as well as research and development facilities established in collaboration with academic institutions and global technology leaders.
Data centres and integrated university partnership zones comprising incubation laboratories, classrooms and research facilities are also planned under the project.
There will be seven faculty buildings equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture theatres, teaching and learning facilities and conference facilities, with the buildings expected to rise to a minimum of seven storeys.
A 520-bed specialist and teaching hospital equipped for advanced medical services and research will be included.
Commercial infrastructure will include a six-floor shopping mall with more than 4 000 parking bays across two underground levels, six anchor investors, a ground-floor aquarium and a central atrium, with a total built-up area of 142 000 square metres.
Industrial and innovation infrastructure will include factory shells and warehouses ranging from 600 square metres to 10 000 square metres to accommodate light and medium industries and technology start-ups.
The focus areas for industrial production will include additive manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, value addition, process engineering, agro-processing and bulk warehousing.
Integrated technology-infused business incubators and co-working spaces for small to medium enterprises as well as a science, technology, engineering and mathematics centre are also planned.
Harare Institute of Technology said the project would incorporate extensive bulk infrastructure covering sewer and water reticulation systems, roads and internet connectivity.
Recreation and sustainability facilities will b included, including an 18-hole championship golf course, sports pavilion with basketball, tennis and squash courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool and running tracks.
Adventure parks for sports and outdoor learning activities and a wildlife park for tourism and education are also planned.
The institution said a 36MW solar farm would be developed to supply sustainable energy to the Hi-Tech Development Valley and the national grid- enhancing off-grid resilience in the process.
Infrastructure development under the project will include primary and secondary roads, storm drainage systems, pedestrian networks, cycle lanes and mobility corridors, as well as LED and solar-powered street lighting.
Water infrastructure will include main water supply lines and reticulation technologies, a modern water treatment plant incorporating green and energy-efficient systems, water reservoirs, pumping stations and smart metering systems.
The sewer and wastewater component will comprise trunk sewer lines, internal reticulation and a modern wastewater treatment plant incorporating recycling, reuse, bio-digestion and energy-generation technologies.
Electricity and energy infrastructure will include primary electrical distribution systems, substations, switching infrastructure, solar photovoltaic fields, micro-grids, battery storage and provision for future smart-energy networks.
