On a sprawling 11.43 square kilometres of land in Mount Hampden—a strategic location that offers a serene environment, easy access to essential services and amenities, and the added luxury of waterfront living—a new city is taking shape. Zim Cyber City is poised to become the most innovative city in the region, anchoring Zimbabwe’s new capital and serving as a cutting-edge high-tech park.

Development Partners Zim Cyber City is a state-of-the-art, mixed-use development being developed by Mulk Holdings International (MHI), a United Arab Emirates-based industrial conglomerate. The project is managed by Zimbabwe Global Investments (ZGI), a locally registered subsidiary of Mulk International. ZGI operates under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme approved by the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellence Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Development Partners Zim Cyber City is a state-of-the-art, mixed-use development being developed by Mulk Holdings International (MHI), a United Arab Emirates-based industrial conglomerate. The project is managed by Zimbabwe Global Investments (ZGI), a locally registered subsidiary of Mulk International. ZGI operates under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme approved by the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellence Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Financial Overview With a construction cost of USD 500 million, the development is modelled after Dubai, featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. The city will include 250 townhouses, 80 luxury villas known as the Zim Hills, apartment blocks, high-tech office facilities, and a 15-story commercial building, the Mulk Tower. These structures will be surrounded by landscaped gardens within a gated community.

Strategic Vision

ZGI chief executive officer Tendayi Hlupo-Mamvura hints that “the city is designed to be a self-sustaining ecosystem that integrates cutting-edge technology with modern urban living, thereby setting a new standard for smart cities globally.”

The Vision for Zim Cyber City

Project Objectives

The project aims to create a synergistic ecosystem where innovation, business, and community coalesce to foster unprecedented growth. Tendayi adds, “Zim Cyber City is not just a project; it’s a movement. It’s about creating a space where the brightest minds can collaborate to build the future that we desire.”

Global Attraction

Zim Cyber City is designed to attract talent and become a global hub for research and development, innovation, and social well-being. It will offer state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, making it a complete living experience.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Additionally, Zim Cyber City is intended to be sustainable, with energy-efficient buildings and waste management systems that minimise its environmental impact.

Key Features

• Material Innovation: Light gauge steel is a prominent feature of the smart connected homes in Zim Cyber City. It is an eco-friendly material that gives the buildings a modern aesthetic.
• Smart Technologies: There will be state-of-the-art data centres and smart technologies to manage traffic, waste, and other essential services. This makes it an ideal location for tech companies and startups that rely heavily on data and connectivity.
• Location Benefits: Situated in the heart of Zimbabwe’s new city at, Mount Hampden, it offers a serene environment for living and working, with easy access to essential services and amenities.
• Uninterrupted Power Supply: Zim Cyber City also promises an uninterrupted power supply, which ensures the smooth operation of businesses and enhances the quality of life for residents.
• SEZ Benefits: With SEZ status, ZGI has access to several benefits, such as fast-track clearances and tax exemptions.
• Lifestyle Amenities: Furthermore, Zim Cyber City is not just about work; it also offers a desirable lifestyle with parks and recreational areas, shopping malls, healthcare facilities, and waterfront living.

Why Choose Zim Cyber City?

Business Incentives
Zim Cyber City offers incentives such as tax breaks, subsidised utility rates, and streamlined business registration processes to attract top talent and businesses. This creates a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.

Residential Benefits
Potential residents can expect a high standard of living at competitive prices, making it an ideal location for young professionals, families, and skilled professionals. The city offers a range of housing options, from luxury apartments to free-standing villas.

Investment Expectations

Investor Attraction
Zim Cyber City is expected to garner substantial interest from local and foreign investors, including tech companies, venture capitalists, and government agencies. The project aims to become a hub for innovation and technology, attracting billions of dollars in investment.

Credibility and Backing
The involvement of MHI through ZGI lends credibility to the project and is expected to attract further investment.

Timeline and Development Phases

Phase One
ZGI indicates that the first phase will focus on infrastructure development, including roads, utilities, and essential services. This is expected to be completed within two years.

Subsequent Phases
Subsequent phases will focus on residential and commercial development, including Mulk Towers and Zim Shopping Mall. The project is expected to be completed within five years and will be Africa’s most ambitious real estate development.

Sustainability and the Environment

Green Practices
The city is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly, focusing on green building practices employing state-of-the-art technologies to minimise its carbon footprint.

Environmental Commitment
Additionally, Zim Cyber City is committed to minimising its environmental impact. The city aims to balance urban development and environmental conservation, serving as a model for eco-friendly urban planning.

Economic and Social Benefits

Job Creation and Economic Boost
Zim Cyber City is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract billions of dollars in foreign investment. The city will also serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, helping to boost Zimbabwe’s economy.

Community Benefits
The locale will offer a high standard of living and luxurious community amenities, including world-class shopping experiences and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.

Security, Governance and Management

Security Measures
The CEO also points out that Zim Cyber City will employ state-of-the-art security measures, including surveillance cameras, biometric access controls, and a dedicated security force, to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.

Transparent Governance
The city’s governance will be transparent and accountable, focusing on community engagement. A dedicated management team will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and service.

Anchor Tenants for Mulk Towers and Zim Shopping Mall

Tenant Attraction
Zim Cyber City aims to attract a mix of local and international businesses, particularly anchor tenants in the technology and innovation sector. The city also plans to offer a first-world shopping experience with luxury retail brands.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Infrastructure Planning
The developer notes Zim Cyber City will be well-connected with efficient public transport systems and road networks. Already, plans are in place to upgrade local infrastructure, including roads, utilities and public services, to accommodate the new development.

Community Integration
The ZGI boss says the aim is to create a symbiotic relationship between Zim Cyber City and its neighbouring communities, ensuring mutual growth and development.

Zim Cyber City is more than just a real estate development; it is a vision for the future. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, focus on sustainability, and commitment to community development, it is set to become a global landmark. The project, backed by the formidable reputation and expertise of Mulk Holdings International, promises a first-world shopping experience, a tourist-friendly environment, and economic and social benefits. It is a revolution in urban living, leading the way to a new era for Zimbabwe.

About MHI

Global Presence and Impact
MHI is a multinational conglomerate with a presence in over 90 countries. It is a global leader in innovative and sustainable construction, renewable energy, healthcare, and information technology solutions.

Leadership and Recognition
Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of MHI, whose commitment to innovation and sustainability has driven the company’s success. Under his leadership, the company has received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying MHI’s reputation as a global innovator. A focus on long-term strategic planning, ethical business practices, and community development characterises Mulk’s leadership style.

Text by Perry Kaande