His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially commissioned The Sprout, a sophisticated new restaurant located at the Geo Pomona Waste Management site. The opening marks a pivotal chapter in the site’s transition from an environmental hazard into a world-class recreational and industrial hub.
The Sprout’s architecture and interior design reflect a “modern green” philosophy, seamlessly blending industrial elements with organic aesthetics. The heart of the establishment is a striking central coffee hub. Suspended from dark industrial ceilings, a black metal mesh canopy serves as a functional art piece, illuminated by a continuous rectangular LED light strip that casts a crisp, contemporary glow. To soften the steel-and-mesh structure, lush green ferns and trailing plants are arranged along the top, symbolizing the “sprout” of new life from reclaimed land.
The service area is equally meticulous, featuring open wooden shelving stocked with sage-green ceramic mugs and neatly organized coffee blends. Nearby, a high-impact bakery display showcases an array of artisanal pastries. Flaky almond croissants and gourmet cakes are elevated on clear acrylic tiered stands, offering a clean, minimalist presentation that rivals international luxury cafés.
The restaurant, which boasts a sitting capacity of 115, is part of a broader socio-economic ecosystem. During the ceremony, Geo Pomona CEO and Executive Chairman, Delish Nguwaya, highlighted that the facility sits adjacent to a FIFA-certified football pitch and professional tennis courts.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, characterized the development as a prime example of “sports tourism,” noting that The Sprout provides a vital hospitality anchor for athletes and families visiting the precinct.
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa praised the “scope and pace” of the development, noting the site’s dramatic transformation. “I previously said this place was so beautiful you could bring a loved one here for chips. Today, we are here to dine at this magnificent restaurant,” the President remarked. “It stands as an example of our national philosophy: A nation is built by its own people).”
The President further commended Geo Pomona for its contribution to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, specifically noting the company’s growth from six employees in 2022 to over 1,200 today. He challenged the hospitality sector to maintain this momentum by sourcing all raw materials from local farmers to strengthen the domestic value chain.
With the official unveiling of The Sprout, Geo Pomona has set a new regional standard for land restoration, proving that sustainable waste management can indeed unlock significant socio-economic value.
