THATON Property chief executive officer Ben Nyaumwe has won the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Businessman of the Year Award in recognition of his contribution to raising quality standards in the country’s property sector.
The award comes as the real estate firm continues to position itself as a developer focused on modern, high-end residential projects aimed at transforming the country’s property landscape.
In an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent, Nyaumwe said his inspiration came from his father, who was a property developer, as well as from his academic background and exposure to international markets.
“What we are trying to do is change the landscape of the real estate market in Zimbabwe by bringing a product that the country has not seen before, at a level of sophistication the country has not seen before,” Nyaumwe said.
“People have done cluster developments and other types of projects before. However, if you have travelled internationally, whether to South Africa or Western countries, you will notice that buildings are more sophisticated, smarter and better than ours. We want to bring that global standard to Zimbabwe.”
Nyaumwe said the company’s strategy was anchored on quality, innovation and superior execution, which he believes are key to succeeding in a highly-competitive market.
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“Our strategy is to have the best and most sophisticated product, with the best quality and execution,” he said. “When you produce something more sophisticated, better quality and better executed than everyone else in the marketplace, you have to win, no matter how competitive the environment is.”
He said introducing a new approach to property development had not been without challenges, particularly in convincing both clients and employees to embrace the company’s vision.
“People do not always understand the product the way you do,” Nyaumwe said. “It is important for your own team to appreciate and understand what you are trying to achieve, and
for the market to accept the type of product you want to deliver.”
According to Nyaumwe, some prospective buyers initially doubted the company’s promises due to negative experiences with developers who failed to deliver projects that matched their marketing campaigns.
“People assumed we were like others in the marketplace who over-promised and under-delivered,” he said. “But we have now overcome that challenge because demand for our new products is phenomenal.”
Thaton Property has gained prominence through its flagship US$16 million 2267 Lifestyle Estate project in Glen Lorne, Harare, which is nearing completion.
“It is almost finished. We are now at nearly 90% completion,” Nyaumwe said.
Last year, the company said it expected to complete the development in 2026.
The 2267 Lifestyle Estate combines luxury living with modern convenience and features a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom garden units and premium three-bedroom lofts.
The development has also elevated the company’s profile internationally.
Thaton Property recently won three honours at the 2025–2026 International Property Awards in the United Kingdom, becoming the first Zimbabwean property developer to receive such recognition.
Industry players say the achievement reflects growing confidence in Zimbabwean real estate firms that are embracing international standards in design, construction and project execution.
Beyond property development, Nyaumwe has diversified interests in the food and agriculture sectors.
“We make and sell what I believe is the best Portuguese chicken, called Galinha, outside Portugal at our restaurant, Lugatipolo,” he said. “We are also into farming and horticulture.”
The ZNCC award highlights the increasing role being played by local entrepreneurs in redefining Zimbabwe’s business landscape through innovation, investment and a focus on quality.
For Nyaumwe, the recognition also reinforces his ambition to help modernise Zimbabwe’s real estate sector and deliver products capable of competing with international standards.