JR Goddard consortium clinches deal to develop 271ha Victoria Falls commercial zone

 HARARE – The government has approved a joint venture deal with a consortium led by construction magnate JR Goddard to develop 271.5 hectares of commercial land near Victoria Falls.

The parcel – Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate – sits within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, which is located inside the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, one of southern Africa’s premier tourism corridors.

Under the agreement announced following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the state investment arm Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company will contribute the land as equity, valued at US$25.6 million, giving government a 39 percent stake in the project. The JR Goddard (JRG) consortium will take 61 percent in return for committing US$66.9 million in infrastructure investment.

The partners will recoup profits over a 25-year period.

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) ran the competitive tender last year.

The consortium’s infrastructure obligations include construction of roads, a 13-kilometre water pipeline, a water treatment plant, sewerage systems, and a power substation to service the estate.

ZIDA investment promotion documents show the broader development vision for the Masuwe SEZ includes hotels, villas, flats and holiday homes at an estimated cost of US$79.8 million; core infrastructure for US$81.6 million; two medical centres at US$15 million; a commercial centre and international financial services hub worth US$17 million; a tourism and hospitality school for US$10.7 million; a golf estate for US$10 million; and a multipurpose international cricket stadium at a cost of US$7.5 million which is already under construction.

The SEZ was gazetted on September 28, 2018, with the declared objective of creating a tourism and financial services hub integrating tourism, recreation, sporting facilities, commercial amenities, and an International Finance Centre.

The JRG consortium includes project managers Sesani, civil and structural engineers Stewart Scott Zimbabwe, and financial advisors Genesis Global Finance.

It is the same grouping that is separately raising capital to build the Glass Block Dam on Umzingwane River in Matabeleland South intended to alleviate Bulawayo’s chronic water shortages.

Victoria Falls, which straddles the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, draws hundreds of thousands of tourists annually and is regarded as Zimbabwe’s most bankable tourism asset.

Source: JR Goddard consortium clinches deal to develop 271ha Victoria Falls commercial zone (21/04/2026)

Read more on the Masuwe Special Economic Zone development proposals on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Cabinet approves PPP for Masuwe SEZ bulk infrastructure development, Victoria Falls

(Zimbabwe) CABINET has approved a landmark Public-Private Partnership for the development of bulk infrastructure on Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Victoria Falls, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.

Masuwe Special Economic Zone development area

Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare, Dr Soda said the proposal was endorsed between Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company (MTDC) and JR Goddard Private Limited (JRG).

“Cabinet approved the proposed Public-Private Partnership for the Development of Bulk Infrastructure on Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate in Masuwe Special Economic Zone, Victoria Falls, between Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company (MTDC) and JR Goddard Private Limited (JRG),” said Dr Soda.

“The Masuwe Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) is a flagship National Development Project which the Second Republic established in September 2018 with a strategic intent to transform Victoria Falls into a diversified, high-value hub integrating tourism, financial services and sustainable real estate.

“The Special Economic Zone encompasses a total of 1 200 hectares of Jafuta Estate, outside Victoria Falls City and is strategically located within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA)”.

He said the proposed project will entail the surfacing of an eight-kilometre internal road network, the upgrading of nine kilometres of gravel roads, and the construction of a 13-kilometre water pipeline covering the entire 1 200 hectares and neighbouring communities.

Other components include the construction of a package water treatment plant, a sewerage reticulation system, effluent reuse storage ponds, a power substation and the provision of management services for the Special Economic Zone.

“A rigorous evaluation of the project proposal was undertaken in line with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Authority (ZIDA) Act and the Public-Private Partnership Guidelines,” said Dr Soda.

Source: Cabinet approves PPP for bulk infrastructure development (22/04/2026)

Read more on the Masuwe Special Economic Zone development proposals on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

No more heavy traffic across iconic Victoria Falls bridge

 THE Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe have resolved to that no heavy trucks or train will use the iconic century old Victoria Falls Bridge which links the two countries.

President Hakainde Hichilema said the two sister nations have agreed to restrict the use of the bridge and will build an alternative route.

Mr Hichilema said during the Engineering Institution of Zambia(EIZ) conference in Livingstone, the historic bridge built in 1905 is no longer suitable to accommodate for heavy duty traffic.

“This bridge you see here, this road and rail bridge over the falls here, we have taken a decision with Zimbabwe, our partners, that we don’t want heavy traffic anymore here, it’s not a new bridge, it’s over 100 years.

“We don’t want 30 tonne trucks going through this bridge,” the President said.

He and in the alternative, there are plans to build another road and rail bridge, “a few kilometres down stream here”.

“…and divert traffic as you enter Livingstone. All the heavy traffic must be diverted from there. As we want to rehabilitate the Zambia Railways,” Mr Hichilema said.

And the head of State said Government still targets to grow Zambia’s economy to US$80million , adding that the economy has nearly doubled over the past four and a half years.

He said efforts are underway to ensure all provinces contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product by engaging in various economic activities.

Mr Hichilema also proposed linking the Luapula River to the Kafue River to increase power generation, in line with Government’s energy mix agenda

At the same event, Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi said Zambia seeks to be a proactive and forward-looking infrastructure planning which anticipates demand driven by climate change, urbanisation and technological advancement.

(Mwebantu, Sunday, 19th April, 2026)

Source: No more heavy traffic across iconic Victoria Falls bridge (19/04/2026)

Crocodile slips into Victoria Falls hotel

 STAFF at Victoria Falls’ A’Zambezi River Lodge were jolted out of the calm of the early morning hours on Saturday by an extraordinary and wholly unexpected visitor when a Nile crocodile was discovered calmly occupying part of the hotel precincts. In a destination famed for its closeness to nature, the encounter was nonetheless startling, unfolding just as the day was beginning to stir.

The reptile, believed to have quietly made its way from the mighty Zambezi River nearby, was first spotted by alert hotel employees, whose swift response ensured the situation did not escalate. The alarm was raised immediately, setting in motion a carefully coordinated response designed to protect both people and wildlife.

The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) moved swiftly to the scene, acting decisively to neutralise any risk while handling the animal with care and professionalism befitting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli confirmed the incident, providing reassurance about both the outcome and the process involved.

“The animal, identified as a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) originating from the Zambezi River system, was safely immobilised and translocated by trained authority personnel.

The crocodile was subsequently released back into the river. No human injuries or property damage were recorded.”
According to Mr Safuli, while the sight may have startled lodge staff and guests alike, the crocodile’s appearance was not as unusual as it might seem within such a natural setting.

“The authority notes that the incident occurred within the species’ natural range and habitat. The lodge is situated in a riverine environment along the Zambezi River, which supports established crocodile populations. Terrestrial movement by crocodiles is normal behaviour and is commonly associated with basking, nesting, dispersal, or territorial activity.”

Mrs Pride Khumbula, RTG corporate affairs and quality manager, confirmed that the reptile had ventured into one of the lodge’s water features, seamlessly blending into an environment shaped to mirror the natural world around it.

“A’Zambezi River Lodge can confirm that a crocodile was sighted on the property on Friday 17 April 2026. The situation was promptly managed in close coordination with Zimparks, who responded swiftly, safely apprehended the animal from the hotel’s water feature where it had made its way into, and relocated it back into its natural habitat.”

Mrs Khumbula emphasised that the lodge’s proximity to wildlife is not accidental but intrinsic to its identity, set within a protected landscape that celebrates coexistence rather than separation.

“The hotel is uniquely located within the Zambezi National Park, where we proudly coexist with wildlife as part of a protected natural ecosystem. We are fully cognisant of our position within a designated wildlife corridor and actively support biodiversity by allowing animals to move freely within their natural habitat.

Source: Crocodile slips into Victoria Falls hotel (19/04/2026)

Econet InfraCo Secures Land For Multimillion-dollar Luxury Resort In Victoria Falls

 Econet InfraCo has announced plans to build a multimillion-dollar luxury resort in Victoria Falls. The project, to be called Vic Falls Lifestyle, will comprise 40 high-end residential villas supported by premium amenities, including restaurants, wellness centres, and sports facilities.

Econet InfraCo Chief Executive Officer Fayaz King described the development as a landmark project for Zimbabwe’s luxury tourism sector.

“These will be among the most exclusive residential properties ever developed in Zimbabwe,” said King.

“They are designed to meet the standards of top-tier international hospitality, comparable to presidential suites in leading global hotels.

“Security and privacy are central to the development’s value proposition. The gated resort will include round-the-clock security, catering to investors and visitors seeking a secure, secluded environment.”

Under the investment model, buyers will be able to acquire ownership of individual villas, on the condition that units are made available for rental for up to 11 months each year—a structure designed to balance personal use with income-generating potential.

King added that Econet founder and Group Chairman Strive Masiyiwa played a key advisory role in shaping the concept and is expected to be among the property owners.

“Land for the resort has been secured, with planning at an advanced stage, and construction is expected to commence before year-end,” said King.

Source: Econet InfraCo Secures Land For Multimillion-dollar Luxury Resort In Victoria Falls (15/04/2026)

Read more:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th April 2026) Econet InfraCo to build top-tier luxury resort in Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10th April 2026) Econet InfraCo plans luxury Victoria Falls resort with 40 villas and private hospital.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th April 2026) The vision behind Econet InfraCo’s Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th April 2026) Econet InfraCo Secures Land For Multimillion-dollar Luxury Resort In Victoria Falls.

See also Keep Victoria Falls Wild website. 

The vision behind Econet InfraCo’s Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort

 Econet InfraCo — the recently listed billion-dollar infrastructure platform company — has acquired a 100-acre site in Victoria Falls, where it plans to build an upmarket ‘Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort’.

Econet InfraCo Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort promo

The resort will consist of about 40 luxury villas, built for use by high net wealthy visitors to the city, who plan to stay for two weeks or more.

According to InfraCo, the villas will be designed to cater for every whim of a jet set clientele who expect the best. They will be supported by a club house with a wellness gym, spas, restaurants, gift shops, tennis courts and swimming pools.

The facility will have its own 10-bed private hospital and a helipad for quick transfers to the airport.

Equally important, the villas will have their own power and water supply system, with each villa connected to fibre as well as satellite internet access. Security to the facility will be provided by 24-hour guards, with additional security guards assigned to any of the  4, 5 and 6-bedroom villas as needed.

Econet InfraCo Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort promo

Explaining the vision, Econet InfraCo CEO Fayaz King, said: “We need to attract visitors who spend more time in the city if we are to generate more forex for our economy. That means we must also cater for the high net worth visitor — this is the global trend. We are using our skills in developing high-quality infrastructure to enable this development.”

King said each villa will be offered for sale as an investment to Zimbabweans, who will offer them for onward rental as part of the agreement.

“The owners will be allowed to use them for about a month a year. But they are there to be rented out for 11 months; that is the concept.”

King said designs had been completed and work is expected to start before the end of the year.

He noted that land for the development was acquired some time back, at the direction of Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa.

“The group chairman has had this vision for a long time, and sees Vic Falls as a jewel for Zimbabwe’s economic revival. He bought this land over 20 years ago but feels now is the time for us to push ahead, which is why InfraCo was created,” he said, adding that there were other projects the company was planning.

Source: The vision behind Econet InfraCo’s Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort (12/04/2026)

Read more:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th April 2026) Econet InfraCo to build top-tier luxury resort in Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10th April 2026) Econet InfraCo plans luxury Victoria Falls resort with 40 villas and private hospital.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th April 2026) The vision behind Econet InfraCo’s Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th April 2026) Econet InfraCo Secures Land For Multimillion-dollar Luxury Resort In Victoria Falls.

See also Keep Victoria Falls Wild website. 

Mnangagwa fires CIO boss Mangwanya, names diplomat Chikawa as new spy chief

 HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday dismissed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director general Fulton Mangwanya, with no explanation given for the abrupt removal.

Chief cabinet secretary Martin Rushwaya announced that Paul Chikawa, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Cuba, has been appointed as the new spy chief “with immediate effect.”

Rushwaya’s statement made no reference to Mangwanya.

Mangwanya was appointed CIO director general in January 2025, having previously served as director general of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).

His dismissal comes amid a probe by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) into a US$6.8 million construction project linked to the CIO.

Investigators have conducted raids at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Terrestrial Holdings — the CIO’s investment arm — and at least two financial services companies.

NSSA released US$4.5 million for the Belgravia double story commercial building through Stanbic Bank into the account of Chigama Architectural Services and Project Management.

Investigators are examining claims that some funds were subsequently diverted to an asset management company and a money transfer firm for high-interest arrangements that allegedly benefited insiders. The project predated Mangwanya’s appointment, though some payments were made during his tenure.

In October last year, Mangwanya was reported to have been swindled more than R1.5 million by scammers posing as the gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya. The CIO later briefed that the incident was part of a covert operation to trap the scammers who were allegedly targeting high profile people.

The dismissal also comes as Mnangagwa, 83, is pushing through controversial constitutional amendments that would extend his second and final term by two years — from 2028 to 2030 — and replace the direct presidential election with a parliamentary vote.

Mnangagwa’s critics say the amendments are designed to stop vice president Constantino Chiwenga from succeeding him in the event of his death or incapacitation in office, with MPs instead voting to choose his successor – likely to come down to candidates’ financial muscle.

Source: Mnangagwa fires CIO boss Mangwanya, names diplomat Chikawa as new spy chief (10/04/2026)