WESTPROP Holdings Limited is courting Africa’s wealthy investors to channel capital into its multi-million-dollar property developments, positioning Zimbabwe as a potential haven amid escalating Middle East tensions.
Earlier this month, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Tehran responded by firing missiles into Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, in addition to launching attacks on Israel.
Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, along with Doha in Qatar, have long served as safe havens for global investors, including wealthy Africans pursuing stable asset classes.
Amid geopolitical uncertainty, WestProp seeks to channel African wealth from Middle Eastern property markets into Zimbabwe’s emerging luxury real estate sector, betting that developments such as The Hills Luxury Golf Estate can compete for regional investment.
Recently, the property developer hosted Nigerian billionaire Stephen Akintayo for a tour of its flagship projects, including The Hills Luxury Golf Estate.
WestProp chief executive Ken Sharpe said Africans investing heavily in the Middle East should also
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consider opportunities on the continent.
“Nigerians invest billions of dollars into Dubai and the Middle East, buying property and supporting those economies. They are Africans — our brothers and sisters. We want them to come and invest and buy property in beautiful estates like this,” Sharpe said.
“We believe he can go back and market Zimbabwe positively, saying the country is open for business. Zimbabwe is being transformed. People are not waiting; we are moving forward.
“There are world-class developments such as the PGA golf course that we are showcasing.”
Akintayo said he was impressed by the opportunities he saw in Zimbabwe.
“I am not only keen to invest here but also to facilitate a strategic partnership aimed at encouraging other Nigerian investors to explore opportunities within this promising market,” he said.
“Now is the right time for investment to flow into Africa, particularly in sectors where the continent’s natural beauty and resources offer significant advantages.”
Meanwhile, WestProp is offering limited mortgages of up to US$200 000 to aspiring homeowners at The Hills Luxury Golf Estate.
However, buyers will still need to raise an additional US$250 000 to purchase the ultra-luxury townhouses. Construction is scheduled to begin in April, with completion targeted by year-end.
The estate, the brainchild of property developer Sharpe, is already taking shape, with the golf driving range now operational and several other amenities at various stages of development.
The golf course is expected to open in December, while facilities such as the Lock Brothers Tennis Academy and paddle courts will also be introduced.
Announcing the Easter promotion, acting chief sales and marketing officer Collin Zvenhamo said the mortgage offer was limited to just five families.
“Depending on uptake, the company may in the future consider offering more mortgages to allow families to realise their dreams,” Zvenhamo said.
“What makes this offer extraordinary is not just the beauty of The Hills — it is the mortgage option we are extending. With a down payment of US$200 000, you can secure your unit today. The repayment period for the mortgage is five years.”
The remaining US$250 000 balance will be paid over two years, during which the family will already have moved into the lifestyle estate.
“This is rare flexibility in Zimbabwe’s real estate market, designed to make luxury living attainable. We have created this plan for forward-thinking buyers who want to invest in their future without being weighed down by rigid financial demands,” he said.