KEY POINTS
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Radisson Hotel Group has partnered with WestProp to launch its first property in Zimbabwe — a 147-room serviced apartment hotel in Harare worth US$13.5 million.
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The hotel giant plans to expand further, with Victoria Falls as the next target, tapping into Zimbabwe’s thriving tourism sector.
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Government officials view the development as proof of Zimbabwe’s urban transformation goals and a catalyst for local job creation and infrastructure renewal.
The Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most recognized hospitality brands, has officially entered the Zimbabwean market with plans for rapid expansion, beginning with a serviced apartment hotel project in Harare.
In partnership with the ambitious real estate developer WestProperties (WestProp), Radisson will open a 147-room Radisson Apartment Hotel at Millennium Heights in Borrowdale, an upscale suburb of the capital.
Herald online reports that the landmark US$13.5 million investment marks a major step in Zimbabwe’s growing efforts to attract foreign direct investment into its tourism and real estate sectors.
The groundbreaking ceremony held on May 21, 2025, brought together major government officials, including Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs Minister, Senator Charles Tawengwa.
“Zimbabwe was one of the few African countries where we had no presence,” said Ramsay Rankoussi, Radisson’s Vice President of Development for Africa and Turkey. “We waited until we found the right local partner — one with the knowledge and capacity to deliver a world-class product. That partner is WestProp.”
Victoria falls and beyond – Radisson targets tourism hotspots
While the Millennium Heights project in Harare marks Radisson’s entry point, the group is already setting its sights on broader horizons. Rankoussi confirmed that Victoria Falls is next on their radar, citing its immense tourism potential and existing success on the Zambian side in Livingstone, where Radisson already operates a high-performing hotel.
“We certainly want to grow further outside Harare, with Victoria Falls as a priority,” he added. “Our long-term vision includes expanding into Zimbabwe’s safari regions, convention hubs, and luxury resort zones.”
This partnership is part of WestProp’s ambitious “1 Billion Bricks by 2030” campaign, a national real estate development drive aimed at reshaping Zimbabwe’s urban architecture. The company has already laid 87 million bricks and is known for large-scale developments like Gunhill Rise, Pomona City, and Warren Hills Golf Estate.
WestProp CEO Ken Sharpe explained that the idea for a serviced apartment hotel began with a vision to innovate within the hospitality space. “We wanted to bring something different to the market — something that blends affordability, comfort, and international standards,” Sharpe said. “Block Five at Millennium Heights was specifically designed for this purpose. When we met Radisson at the ZimReal Conference, it all fell into place.”
Serviced apartments offer self-contained, fully furnished living spaces with hotel-like amenities — a format that is growing in popularity among business travelers and tourists who seek extended stays and more privacy than traditional hotel rooms provide.
Sharpe emphasized that the partnership with Radisson is not a one-off. “We are looking at bringing two more hotel brands to Harare in the near future. The demand is there, and we believe we can meet it with the right partners.”
In Harare, where international-standard accommodations remain limited, the Radisson brand brings a much-needed upgrade. The hotel will include concierge services, housekeeping, a fitness center, and round-the-clock security, positioning it to attract both local business travelers and international visitors.
Minister Daniel Garwe praised the development, aligning it with Zimbabwe’s National Human Settlement Policy launched in 2021 by President Mnangagwa. “This project is a model of our ‘Building Better Vertically’ principle,” the minister said. “It proves the skeptics wrong — vertical, smart, and sustainable urban development is possible in Zimbabwe.”
He also called on developers to address aging infrastructure in other parts of the city, urging investment in urban transformation. “Harare, Mbare, Dzivarasekwa — they all need renewal. Developers like WestProp and partners like Radisson are the champions of this transformation,” he concluded.
Radisson operates more than 100 hotels across Africa and over 1,500 globally, with presence in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Egypt. Its entry into Zimbabwe is widely seen as a vote of confidence in the country’s economic and tourism potential.
As the project moves toward completion, expectations are high. The Harare property is set to open doors in late 2026, with job creation, skills development, and tourism growth among its anticipated impacts.
