By Staff Reporter [ ZimLive ]
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s finance ministry is leading talks for the construction of a modern multi-purpose national sports stadium in Harare, officials said on Saturday, as authorities move to end years of international isolation caused by sub-standard local facilities.
The national football team has been forced to play its home matches outside the country after FIFA condemned Zimbabwe’s stadiums for failing to meet international standards.
In a statement, treasury said finance minister Mthuli Ncube had held high-level discussions with global construction firm Mabetex Group on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to advance plans for a state-of-the-art national stadium to be built in Mount Hampden, Harare’s new administrative capital.
The meeting involved Mabetex founder and chairman Behgjet Pacolli and the company’s general counsel Korab Toplica, which the ministry said underscored the project’s “credibility and commercial strength.”
According to the treasury, Mabetex – which has delivered major infrastructure projects in several countries – is working with FIFA-aligned experts and is proposing a 30-year financing model designed to minimise pressure on the national fiscus.
“The project will be delivered under a treasury-light financing model that ensures sustainability and world-class standards,” the ministry said.
Plans indicate the proposed stadium will feature a retractable roof and operate as a mixed-use global venue capable of hosting international football and rugby matches, major concerts and other large-scale events.
The government described the project as a “catalytic investment” expected to drive urban growth at Mount Hampden, promote youth development and restore national pride, while positioning Zimbabwe to host international sporting and cultural events.
Zimbabwe’s major stadiums, including the National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium, have repeatedly failed FIFA and Confederation of African Football inspections, forcing the Warriors to play home fixtures in South Africa and elsewhere.
