Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s planned Mt Hampden Smart City is being positioned not merely as a new urban development, but as a potential catalyst for job creation, investment, improved public services and a more modern way of living as the country pursues its Vision 2030 ambition.
The Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) X platform on Tuesday said the development could translate the country’s long-term economic aspirations into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, with construction, investment and urban expansion expected to create opportunities across several sectors.
“The planned Mt Hampden Smart City is expected to bring the benefits of Vision 2030 closer to people’s everyday lives,” the government said, highlighting the potential positive impact of the development on employment, infrastructure and livelihoods.
The ambitious project, located about 18 kilometres northwest of Harare, is being developed on more than 15,300 hectares, with the new Parliament Building serving as its anchor.
The approved master plan provides for a Government District, Parliament, State House, Diplomatic Zone, City Centre and Cyber City, alongside higher education institutions, hotels, residential developments, recreational facilities and a comprehensive transport system.
The new Parliament Building and associated civil works have already been completed, while access roads around Parliament have also been developed. Government has identified 48 farms covering about 15,301.94 hectares for the new city, with 33 parent farms reportedly acquired.
Against this background, the latest government messaging places greater emphasis on what the massive urban development could mean for citizens beyond the construction of impressive buildings.
“For the public, this could mean new jobs, better roads, improved transport and modern infrastructure,” the government said.
Construction of the new city is expected to generate opportunities throughout the local economy, particularly for builders, artisans, engineers, suppliers, transport operators and small businesses.
The multiplier effect could extend beyond the construction sector as demand for goods and services rises alongside the expansion of the new urban centre.
The government also sees the project as a potential magnet for fresh investment, particularly for young people and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in an expanding commercial and technological hub.
“Construction projects could create opportunities for builders, artisans, suppliers and small businesses, while new investment could open doors for young people and entrepreneurs,” the government said.
At the centre of the investment proposition is Zim Cyber City, a major private-sector component of the wider Mt Hampden development. The project is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating residential, commercial and technology-oriented facilities, and is intended to add a modern business and lifestyle dimension to the new city.
For communities surrounding Mt Hampden, the anticipated transformation could therefore extend beyond new buildings and offices.
“As the city grows, communities could benefit from better services, modern housing, improved connectivity and a more efficient urban environment,” said the government.
If successfully implemented, Mt Hampden could consequently become one of Zimbabwe’s most significant urban-development projects, creating a new economic and administrative node while complementing Harare and providing additional space for the country’s growing population and economy.
New Ziana
