ZiRECS 2026 to unite property and construction leaders in Harare

THE country’s real estate and construction industry is preparing for a major gathering later this month as the Zimbabwe Real Estate and Construction Summit (ZiRECS) returns for its third edition, with MCM Estates headlining the event as its major sponsor.

The summit will bring together businesses and professionals seeking to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships and address challenges affecting the built environment.

Scheduled for October 28 to 31 in Harare, the summit will feature its main symposium on October 28 and 29 at The Exchange, Newlands Country Club.

The wider programme will incorporate exhibitions, networking engagements, property and development tours, as well as the Zimbabwe Real Estate & Construction Awards 2026.

The event comes as property developers, construction companies and investors continue to navigate questions surrounding project financing, housing delivery, infrastructure development, affordability and the need for innovative approaches to property development.

By convening stakeholders from across the industry, ZiRECS aims to encourage greater collaboration and create opportunities for businesses to engage potential partners and clients.

Established in 2024, the summit has positioned itself as a meeting point for participants across the property and construction value chain.

These include developers, financial institutions, investors, contractors, building material suppliers, estate agents and professionals whose services support the planning, financing and delivery of development projects.

The third edition is expected to place significant attention on the relationship between investment and project implementation.

For many businesses in the sector, identifying a promising development is only the beginning; access to appropriate funding, reliable partners, technical expertise and viable commercial models can determine whether an opportunity progresses into a completed project.

ZiRECS Chief Executive Officer Kudzai Mukuku said the summit was designed to encourage a more connected approach to property and construction development, particularly by bringing together stakeholders whose interests and expertise complement one another.

“The property and construction industry operates as an interconnected ecosystem. Developers need investors and financiers, contractors need projects, suppliers need markets, and investors need credible opportunities. ZiRECS seeks to bring these interests together and create an environment where businesses can engage, exchange ideas and explore partnerships that support growth,” Mukuku said.

He said the platform was intended to facilitate business engagement while encouraging discussions around the practical measures needed to unlock the sector’s potential.

“We want the conversations at ZiRECS to extend beyond the conference room. The real value lies in what happens when stakeholders identify opportunities, establish working relationships and begin exploring how projects can be financed, developed and delivered. Our ambition is to help create those connections and contribute to a stronger property and construction industry,” he said.

As headline sponsor, MCM Estates will play a prominent role in supporting the summit’s mission of connecting property development with investment and business opportunities.

The company’s involvement reflects the importance of collaboration between property developers and the wider network of investors, financiers, contractors and other stakeholders whose participation is essential to the growth of Zimbabwe’s built environment.

Commenting on the partnership, Anthony McMullen, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of MCM Estates, said: “ZiRECS provides an important platform for bringing together the people and businesses shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s property and construction industry. The sector presents significant opportunities, but unlocking its full potential requires collaboration, investment and a shared commitment to delivering developments that respond to the needs of the market.

“At MCM Estates, we recognise the importance of creating opportunities for people to participate in property ownership and investment, and we believe platforms such as ZiRECS can help strengthen relationships, encourage new ideas and connect businesses with opportunities for growth.”

The main symposium will provide a forum for discussions on investment, access to finance, property development, construction innovation, housing delivery and the challenges associated with implementing projects.

The sessions are intended to bring industry perspectives into conversations about how businesses can respond to market needs, improve project viability and pursue sustainable growth.

Exhibitions will form another important part of the event, giving companies an opportunity to present their products, services and development projects to an audience drawn from across the sector.

For participating businesses, this offers a platform to improve market visibility, meet prospective customers and explore commercial relationships with other organisations.

Property and development tours will also feature in the wider programme, allowing participants to engage with projects and investment prospects beyond the symposium venue.

Organised shuttle tours and virtual reality experiences are intended to broaden the ways in which participants can discover and experience property developments.

The summit will additionally incorporate the Youth in Property Forum, a youth-focused initiative under ZiRECS aimed at encouraging young people to explore opportunities in real estate, construction and property entrepreneurship.

The initiative seeks to connect emerging professionals and entrepreneurs with the wider industry while promoting knowledge exchange and participation in the sector.

Mukuku said involving young people was essential to building a sustainable future for the industry, particularly as new business models and technologies continue to influence the way property is developed, marketed and managed.

“Zimbabwe needs a new generation of property entrepreneurs and construction professionals who can bring fresh thinking to the market. Creating opportunities for young people to learn from established players, build networks and explore business opportunities is an important part of developing the industry for the future,” he said.

The programme will also culminate in the Zimbabwe Real Estate & Construction Awards 2026, which will recognise achievements and contributions across the industry.

The awards are intended to highlight excellence, innovation and professionalism among companies and individuals contributing to Zimbabwe’s property and construction landscape.

Beyond the immediate business opportunities, the summit reflects the broader economic significance of the built environment.

Real estate and construction support employment, stimulate demand for materials and professional services, and contribute to the development of residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure. Progress in these areas depends on effective coordination among businesses, investors, financial institutions and other stakeholders.

For developers, ZiRECS offers an opportunity to present projects and explore relationships with potential investors and buyers.

Construction companies and suppliers can use the platform to showcase their capabilities, while financial institutions and investors can engage with businesses seeking funding and strategic partnerships.

According to Mukuku, the intention is to build a platform that delivers value beyond the event itself.

“A successful summit should leave the industry with stronger relationships, new ideas and opportunities that participants can continue pursuing long after the programme ends. We are bringing people together because collaboration is essential if we are to turn the opportunities available in Zimbabwe’s property and construction markets into tangible developments,” he said.

The organisers have invited property developers, investors, banks, construction firms, suppliers, professional associations, entrepreneurs and other industry stakeholders to participate through symposium attendance, exhibitions, sponsorship and networking.

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