Victoria Falls will undergo a major infrastructure transformation, following Cabinet’s approval of a US$66.9 million public-private partnership to develop Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone. As a result, the city is ready to unlock new opportunities for growth.
Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company and the JR Goddard Private Limited Consortium have teamed up to provide infrastructure for 271.5 hectares of land. Their efforts will support future commercial and tourism development in the area.
Speaking after Cabinet, Information Minister Soda Zhemu said the project carries significance beyond Victoria Falls itself. He described it as part of a broader effort to position the city as a stronger economic gateway for Zimbabwe and the region.
The deal outlines several planned works: 8 kilometres of surfaced internal roads, 9 kilometres of upgraded gravel roads, a 13-kilometre water pipeline, a water treatment plant, effluent storage ponds, and a power substation. Together, these systems will prepare the area for hotels, medical centres, businesses, and new investments.
The shareholding structure is straightforward. Government, through MOTDC, contributes land valued at US$25.6 million as equity-in-kind for a 39% stake in the venture. Meanwhile, the JR Goddard Consortium provides the infrastructure investment, taking the remaining 61%. Notably, the partnership will operate for 25 years to recoup profits.
Minister Zhemu expects the project to support high-value investment, broaden Victoria Falls’ economic base, and create jobs for local communities. Moreover, he linked the development directly to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi welcomed the approval. She called it an important step for the city’s future. According to her, the development will strengthen several major facilities planned or already underway in Victoria Falls. These include the new international cricket stadium, medical centres, hotels, a modern commercial centre, the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, and a tourism academy.
Masuwe is located within the larger 1,200-hectare special economic zone in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. The government considers this area central to the future growth of Victoria Falls.
The true test for the project starts now. If everything moves ahead as planned, Victoria Falls will gain far more than just new infrastructure. In addition, Zimbabwe could see a working example of how public land and private capital combine to unlock large-scale investment.
