Egyptian experts are expected in Zimbabwe soon for preliminary works on the construction of a new smart city in Mt Hampden, The Sunday Mail has learnt.
Zimbabwe and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2023 to collaborate on the planning, design, construction and management of the new smart city development in Mt Hampden, which is set to become the new capital.
Read more: ZW: Egyptian experts expected for preliminary work on new smart city
The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) has updated its master plan to align with Smart City design concepts, as part of efforts to modernise research infrastructure and promote innovation across Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement workshop in Bulawayo on Wednesday, SIRDC chief executive officer Dr Leonard Madzingaidzo said the updated plan provides for the expansion of research infrastructure, establishment of vaccine production facilities, and the creation of a Forensic and Cybersecurity University, among other specialised laboratories.
Read more: ZW: Bulawayo: SIRDC integrates Smart City Design Concepts into national master plan
Zimbabwe's capital is taking a major step toward modern urban living with the groundbreaking of Pomona Flats, a high-rise residential complex forming part of the ambitious US$4 billion Pomona City project. Spearheaded by WestProp Holdings, the development is being hailed as a transformative "city within a city" that blends convenience, technology, and lifestyle into one smart city ecosystem.
The Pomona City project, located near Wingate Golf Club and within minutes of Harare's Green Zone commercial hub, is being positioned as a model for sustainable, integrated urban living. It adopts the globally trending 15-minute city concept, where residents can live, work, shop, learn, and play without having to commute long distances.
Read more: ZW: US$4 billion smart city takes shape in Harare
The City of Bulawayo has proposed to install solar powered streetlights in most parts of the city in 2026 as part of council’s smart city initiatives, further reducing the electricity bill.
This is contained in the city’s proposed 2026 budget presentation that Council shared with stakeholders during the consultation meetings.
The installation of solar powered streetlights is part of the Public Lighting priorities as requested by stakeholders in the review of the 2025 budget.
Read more: ZW: Bulawayo: Solar-powered street, traffic lights for city
Zimbabwe is taking bold steps to ensure that no community is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey, with the Government pledging to extend technology-driven development to every corner of the country.
Speaking during the 2025 Innovation Expo and Conference in Bulawayo on Friday last week, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dingumuzi Phuti, said through deliberate policy interventions, public-private partnerships and community-focused programmes, the Government is working tirelessly to ensure that digital transformation covers the whole country.
Read more: ZW: ICT Ministry pushes for technology-driven development