Zimbabwe faces a dual crisis of severe energy shortages and a chronic housing deficit, both of which present significant opportunities for debt fund and private equity investment (“Private Credit”). Renewable energy and real estate are gaining prominence as core and core plus investments respectively. Private Credit can offer flexible and innovative funding to realise high returns. The energy crisis is stark, with frequent power outages at times lasting up to 18 hours a day due to an aging infrastructure. According to the World Bank, only 40% of Zimbabweans have access to electricity, with rural electrification rates as low as 19%. Some listed companies have reported a 20-40% increase in generator fuel usage in 2024 alone, owing to extended loadshedding.
Our real estate and property development practice group offers a full range of services in key areas which include acquisitions and disposals, construction law, financing, property development structuring, development zoning and planning, leasing, risk analysis and due diligence exercises, property litigation and dispute resolution and the registration of securities.
Real estate has emerged as an attractive long-term investment for investors seeking diversification and stable yields within an uncertain economy. These investors have needs that transcend borders resulting in the emergence of a global real estate industry.
Our clients benefit from our significant experience in orchestrating complex, long-term projects that involve drafting documentation, facilitating negotiations, navigating legal and regulatory issues and, when necessary, litigating on their behalf.
Experience has included advising:
- An international agricultural company in negotiating a management and financing agreement on a leasehold structure for agricultural property under a 99-year lease.
- A property developer on the construction of a low-density housing estate covering 6 million m2, comprising of residential stands, light industrial stands, retail stands, commercial stands, leisure and hospital stands.
- Latitude Hotel Groups who have resorts in Malawi, Zambia, Ethiopia on their proposed expansion into Zimbabwe.
- A property developer on the construction of a residential development situated in one of the upmarket suburbs in Harare.
Pension funds are investment pools that provide their members with retirement income.