ZIMBABWE’S economic transformation continues to gain momentum as more private investors step in to back the Government’s inclusive economic growth and development agenda.
At the centre of this initiative is Transvaal Africa, a homegrown logistics and aviation infrastructure company that has secured 418 hectares next to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for a smart city development poised to redefine trade, agriculture and job creation.
“This is a big milestone,” said Transvaal Africa chief executive officer, Engineer Patson Moyo.
“We have now acquired 418 hectares, the Remainder of Arlington Lot E, next to the Robert Mugabe International Airport.
“The most important thing was to have that land available for the project to be implemented. Rolling the project will be much easier now that the land is there.”
The Second Republic’s push for rural industrialisation has long emphasised the need for grassroots empowerment, export growth and inclusive development.
For those ambitions to move from paper to practice, private players must also carry the weight. Transvaal Africa is answering that call. It’s a smart airport city project that directly supports the Vision 2030 agenda, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) objectives, and the Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.
“It’s important that everyone participates. We are an agro-based economy with about 70 percent of our population in rural areas. Now, we are creating a rural economy that feeds into the main economy.
“They add to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), they bring in the much-needed forex, and through this facility, they will reach international markets.”
“At the core of the development is a cargo village and cold chain hub that will finally give Zimbabwean farmers a world-class export capacity.
“The facility will provide sorting, grading, packaging, and storage solutions for perishable produce.”
This answers a long-standing problem: Government input schemes have boosted farm output, but without reliable markets and logistics, farmers often struggle to sell.
“Our function is to bring the market to the villages,” Eng Moyo said. “The Government has supported farming initiatives, but some farmers have been left stranded with ripe produce.
“With Village Business Units (VBUs), we’re creating synergies between farmers and global markets, making sure they plant and produce according to export demand.”
Already, pilot VBUs are running in Gokwe and Murewa, guiding farmers towards GAP certification to access export markets. For the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), the Transvaal deal is a strategic boost.
ACZ’s mandate is to establish, develop and manage airports across the country. CEO Mr Tawanda Gusha confirmed that his company is working closely with Transvaal on the airport smart city project.
“We’ve got a public-private partnership to develop a cargo village at RG Mugabe International Airport,” Mr Gusha said. “We are still in negotiations and discussions so that we sign once we get all the necessary regulatory approvals.
“As the airports company, because we are in the aviation business, we want to promote the development and transportation of cargo from and to the country.
“That’s why we are working with Transvaal to promote agriculture production, horticulture development, and exports, although of course imports will also pass through. We want to consolidate our cargo services at the airport, which are currently a bit disjointed.
“That’s why we are building the cargo village.”
Mr Gusha added that Transvaal’s land acquisition was a breakthrough for the partnership. “Yes, it’s good news, because what we are agreeing in principle is that the piece of land will form part of the project we intend to develop. It will be incorporated into the cargo village development.
“Our medium to long-term plan is to create an airport free zone to promote trade and investment within and around the airport.
“That way, we discourage housing developments around airports in favour of commercial developments that add value to the airport.”
The ACZ boss said construction could start soon: “As soon as the agreements are signed and funding secured, we will start. We were hoping to have concluded all approvals before the end of the year.”
The scope of the airport city extends well beyond agriculture. Transvaal has lined up partnerships with NHS Handling and PPC Cement for supplies, and has also sealed preliminary agreements with Hilton for a hotel, alongside plans for a shopping mall, a school, a medical centre, aviation fuel facilities, and housing.
“What I see is a new great grand picture for our country,” Moyo said. “It will be a modern, state-of-the-art space that gives confidence to Zimbabwe. It will be a smart city within a city.”
For the Government, the significance is clear. Such infrastructure reinforces land reform gains by giving resettled farmers access to global markets, while also stimulating urban downstream industries.
The employment promise is vast. With 35 000 VBUs envisioned nationwide, Transvaal projects 3,5 million direct jobs in primary production, plus another 100,000 in logistics and supporting industries. The airport facility itself is expected to create 40 000 jobs.
“Besides rural and commercial farmers, urban dwellers will also benefit,” Moyo said.
“This actively puts our economy on the right path.”
Construction is set to roll out over the next 36 months, with early phases, design, civils, and servicing starting in the next six. Some facilities are expected to go live within 24 months, with full completion by 2030.
“The most important thing was to secure the land. Now we are moving into servicing, civils, and designs in the next six months.
“Delivery will come step by step until 2030 when the whole project is in full operation,” Moyo said.
Zimbabwe’s land reform redefined ownership.
Government policies have laid the framework for empowerment and food security.
Now, private players like Transvaal Africa are tasked with turning that foundation into real wealth, exports, and jobs, with ACZ’s involvement anchoring the project in the national aviation strategy.
“This is the gateway for everyone coming into Zimbabwe,” Moyo said. “When construction is complete, it will give confidence to the country. It will be a smart city that signals a new era.”
