Property developer WestProp Holdings Limited has intensified efforts to attract South African retail brands to its planned US$100 million Mall of Zimbabwe as the company moves closer to launching construction later this year.

The developer recently sent a delegation to South Africa to meet regional retailers and promote the project. Senior government officials accompanied the team in a move aimed at reassuring investors about Zimbabwe’s economic outlook and business environment.

WestProp chief executive Ken Sharpe said the meetings were intended to encourage retailers already operating across southern Africa to consider expanding into the Zimbabwean market.

“We were in South Africa to encourage retailers to move north,” Sharpe said. “Some of them are already operating in Zambia and neighbouring countries, but they were worried about the economy.”

Government representatives used the meetings to emphasise that authorities were committed to improving the investment climate and supporting new business ventures.

Sharpe said officials told potential investors the government was willing to consider incentives or exemptions where necessary to facilitate investment.

“They were encouraging investors to come into Zimbabwe and confirming that the government is serious about business,” he said.

The Mall of Zimbabwe is expected to become one of the country’s largest modern retail developments. The project will be a fully enclosed and air-conditioned shopping centre, which the developer believes could help modernise the retail sector and attract major regional brands.

Once completed, the mall will have a gross lettable area of about 90,000 square metres. The first phase of the development is expected to deliver between 50,000 and 60,000 square metres of retail space.

Sharpe said the company had already recorded strong early interest from prospective tenants.

“We currently have about 60% uptake of the mall so far,” he said.

According to WestProp, the level of pre-leasing has strengthened confidence in the project and supports plans to proceed with construction.

Planning work and tenant agreements are expected to be finalised in the second quarter of the year. If preparations remain on schedule, the company hopes to begin construction during the third quarter.