Harare, ( New Ziana) – For the last three years, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has developed over 1,700 residential stands, while its banking arm, the National Building Society (NBS), has constructed more than 1,000 housing units, officials have said.
This is part of efforts to reduce the national housing backlog, and providing decent accommodation and essential social infrastructure in the country. Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo on Thursday said the government, through NSSA and its partners, is committed to expanding access to affordable housing as a key driver of national development.
He was speaking at the ZimReal Property Investment Forum held in Harare, a platform bringing together major players in real estate, finance, and construction, including West Properties and RadX Construction.
“The housing gap in our country remains significant, but through initiatives such as those by NSSA and the NBS, we are beginning to see tangible progress,” Moyo said. “These projects are not just about putting up structures; they are about building communities, creating jobs, and supporting the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.”
Among the projects already completed or underway, the NBS has delivered 500 housing units in Dzivarasekwa, constructed 288 flats in Glaudina, and serviced residential stands in Borrowdale and the Sunset Villas development.
These developments are aimed at different income groups, ensuring that housing supply caters to a broad segment of the population. Moyo also noted that real estate development must be aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to create an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society.
“We recognise the vital role that infrastructure, particularly housing, plays in building a resilient and inclusive economy,” he added. He encouraged more private pension funds to complement government efforts, especially in financing infrastructure suitable for emerging smart cities.
“We have seen how investment from pension funds like NSSA can make a real difference. We now call on other institutional investors to step forward and partner in this transformation,” he said.
The ZimReal Forum’s theme this year ” Cementing Growth and Growing Value ” reflects the sector’s increasing role in national development. Delegates discussed sustainable investment models, smart city planning, and the growing role of technology in real estate.
Experts at the forum also highlighted the importance of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and green building practices as tools to widen participation and attract long-term capital. Moyo said Zimbabwe must take advantage of such financial models to ensure transparency and investor confidence in the sector.
“REITs offer a smart way to pool resources and make property investment accessible to more people without the burden of managing real estate directly,” added Moyo. “This can be a game changer for both the market and our economy.”
New Ziana
