Zimbabwe Breaks Ground on US$260m Victoria Falls Tourism and MICE Development
Zimbabwe has officially launched the US$260 million Khula Development in Victoria Falls, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on 6 November 2026. The mixed-use project, structured as a public-private partnership between the City of Victoria Falls and Cardinal Corporation, will deliver hotel accommodation of up to 780 rooms, conference facilities, a shopping mall, offices and a new Civic Centre on the site of the existing City Council offices and Rest Camp. The development is expected to create between 2,000 and 4,000 jobs across construction, hospitality, retail and supporting services, with the full project scheduled for completion over approximately eight years.
The investment positions Victoria Falls to expand beyond leisure tourism into regional business events and MICE, coinciding with Zimbabwe's current chairpersonship of COMESA, which comprises 21 member states. Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, who officiated at the ceremony, identified the new conference infrastructure as a potential hub for regional investment forums and trade meetings. The development also aligns with Zimbabwe's preparations to co-host the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia, with Victoria Falls International Airport earmarked as a key gateway for visiting teams and supporters.
Source: Travel Daily News