Kwekwe District in the Midlands Province has recorded a significant surge in investor interest, with several large-scale projects being implemented under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The district is experiencing accelerated infrastructure development, with more than US$90 million invested between 2022 and 2025, targeting key sectors such as urban renewal, health, education and transport.
Among the flagship projects underway are the construction of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School, the Amaveni Urban Renewal Programme, the 20 000-seater Chahwanda Stadium, as well as major residential and commercial developments earmarked to position Kwekwe as a smart city.
New complexes have also been established, including the Sanja Conference Centre and Shopping Mall, Chahwanda Complex, Yellowstone Mall, Edith Medical Centre, service stations and lodges.
In an interview, Kwekwe District Development Co-ordinator, Mr Fortune Mpungu, confirmed the growing investor appetite in the district.
He said while several projects had already been completed, numerous others were at various stages of implementation.
“I am glad to note that the district under the Second Republic has witnessed several large-scale projects underway under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). The district is undergoing rapid infrastructure development focusing on urban renewal, health, education and transport,” he said.
Mr Mpungu said the district was making notable strides towards the achievement of Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered and prosperous Upper Middle-Income Economy.
He added that significant attention was centred on the Global union Ferrochrome Plant, which is already operational and creating employment opportunities.
“As I speak, they have already employed 180 people and we are happy about that,” he said.
The District Development Co-ordinator further revealed that discussions were ongoing with prospective investor Ming Chang, which is planning to establish an industrial park in the Sherwood area.
“So, we are engaging our communities to avail land for that project, which is valued at about US$3 billion,” he said.
He also noted that another major solar power project in Sherwood was nearing completion.
“Developed under the Public Service Commission, the plant is about 80 percent complete and is expected to create more jobs once operational. So, investment activity is being recorded across multiple sectors, including mining and initiatives led by local authorities, contributing to broader economic development in the district,” he said.
Mr Mpungu said local authorities, including Kwekwe City Council and Zibagwe Rural District Council, were also making investments within their respective jurisdictions, while the mining sector continued to expand.
He attributed the rising investor confidence to policies introduced by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa, which are aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
“You find that investing in the country is now a lot easier or smooth, thanks to the enabling platform or environment that has been put in place by the Second Republic. We are very confident that the district could be among the first districts to attain upper-middle-income status in line with national development goals,” he noted.
