South African property developer McCormick is preparing to begin construction of the US$100 million Mall of Zimbabwe, a project that ranks among the largest private retail investments ever undertaken in the country. As reported by The Herald, the development represents a significant expansion of McCormick’s regional footprint and reflects renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s retail property market.
The mall, planned for Borrowdale in Harare, is expected to deliver up to 90,000 square metres of lettable space and accommodate more than 150 local and international brands. According to WestProp Holdings, the local partner spearheading the project, construction is scheduled to commence early this year, positioning the centre as the largest retail development in the country and a major addition to Harare’s commercial landscape.
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The development is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and after completion, supporting employment across construction, retail, logistics and services. This investment comes as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise infrastructure renewal, with modern retail centres forming part of wider efforts to revitalise urban economic activity and attract private capital.
McCormick brings extensive experience to the project through its involvement in more than 100,000 square metres of retail developments in South Africa, often in partnership with Exemplar Reit. The company has delivered projects in township and regional markets and has also completed retail developments in Mozambique, Eswatini and Angola, demonstrating an established regional operating footprint.
Market data highlights the scale of the project relative to recent developments. According to EXp South Africa, most retail centres built in Zimbabwe over the past decade have ranged between 7,500 and 12,000 square metres, making the Mall of Zimbabwe the largest single-phase shopping centre developed since the late 1990s. Retail and hospitality assets, particularly those linked to leisure and lifestyle offerings, continue to attract institutional investment.
The project also reflects evolving consumer behaviour. According to Old Mutual Investment Group, retail developments in Zimbabwe are increasingly targeting more travelled and brand-conscious consumers, with demand shifting towards malls that combine shopping, dining and social experiences. This trend has supported the emergence of larger, experience-led retail centres designed to function as social hubs alongside their commercial role.