Government has moved forward with plans to construct a state-of-the-art national stadium in Mount Hampden, designed to transform Zimbabwe’s sporting and entertainment infrastructure.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion held a high-level engagement with executives from global construction firm Mabetex Group on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to advance the project.
The stadium will feature a retractable roof and serve as a mixed-use international venue for football, rugby, major concerts, and other large-scale events, positioning Zimbabwe as a premier host for global competitions.
In a statement, the ministry described the project as “a catalytic investment for urban growth, youth empowerment, and national pride, unlocking talent and positioning Zimbabwe firmly on the world stage.”
The engagement included Mabetex founder and chairman Behgjet Pacolli and general counsel Korab Toplica, which the ministry said demonstrates the project’s credibility and commercial strength.
The 30-year financing model is designed to deliver the stadium without placing undue pressure on the Treasury, while creating long-term economic, social, and tourism benefits for the country.
The initiative comes as Zimbabwe seeks to upgrade its existing facilities, which have previously failed to meet international standards, forcing national teams to host home matches abroad.
The ministry said the initiative reflects a bold and forward-looking commitment to redefining Zimbabwe’s sporting, cultural, and entertainment infrastructure, signalling strong international confidence, strategic global partnerships, and an unwavering dedication to excellence at the highest international standards.
The Ministry of Finance added that the new stadium will align the country with global trends, recognising the growing value of sports and its importance in fostering national pride and economic development.
“Zimbabwe has a booming youthful population, making the stadium a timely infrastructural development investment that will unlock sporting talent and enable the country to join the rest of the world in taking sport as a full-time occupation in line with global trends,” said the ministry.
