Tendai Makumire
Harare’s Highglen suburb is set to host a multi-million-dollar stadium development that city officials believe could reshape Zimbabwe’s sports and entertainment economy.
On Friday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, flanked by Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi and senior council representatives, toured the proposed construction site, underlining the city’s commitment to attracting investment into large-scale infrastructure projects.
The planned stadium, strategically located near Highglen Shopping Centre with direct access from Bulawayo and Masvingo roads, is being positioned as more than just a sports venue. City authorities envision it as a commercial anchor capable of drawing sponsorships, events and private partnerships that can yield long-term returns.
The nearby railway connection between Mutare and Harare enhances the project’s logistical appeal, particularly for large-scale regional tournaments.
The project could unlock multiple revenue streams, from match-day ticketing and broadcasting rights to hospitality, conferencing, and retail concessions within the facility.
Its proximity to high-density residential suburbs such as Glen View, Budiriro, Mufakose and Highfield ensures a ready fan base, while its accessibility makes it attractive for corporate hospitality and international events.
“This is a catalytic investment with potential to generate sustained economic activity around Harare,” one senior council official remarked, highlighting that construction alone is expected to create hundreds of jobs while stimulating demand in construction, transport and hospitality.
The new stadium will complement existing venues like the National Sports Stadium and Rufaro, but with a more modern design tailored to meet international standards, positioning Harare as a viable host for regional tournaments.
For investors, the stadium represents an entry point into Zimbabwe’s underdeveloped but high-potential sports economy.
With the right financing structures, public-private partnerships and commercial rights agreements, the Highglen facility could evolve into a revenue-generating asset, delivering returns not just to the city but to private stakeholders willing to back the project.
