KAROI — Twin Gate Shopping Complex is emerging as one of Karoi’s notable private investments, with its owner, South Africa-based entrepreneur Hillary Tomu, outlining plans to expand the centre into a broader commercial and service hub.
Tomu says the development represents an investment of about US$1.8 million and was inspired by his desire to invest back home after years of working and saving in South Africa. For decades, investing in Zimbabwe has often been seen as a risk because of economic uncertainty, policy inconsistency and a difficult business environment. Against that background, Zimbabweans in the diaspora who choose to bring capital back home deserve recognition, especially when their investment creates jobs, services and local commercial activity.
According to Tomu, construction of Twin Gate began in February 2025 and was completed in March 2026, before the complex opened in April 2026. Documents and photographs seen by The Zimbabwe Daily support the existence of the project and link the development to Stand 9658 in Karoi. The complex comprises approximately 21 retail and commercial units, with about 75 percent of the available space already occupied.
Businesses operating from the complex include Kopje Spares, Transerve, Karoi 24 Hour Pharmacy and 24 Missed Calls, among others. Tomu says the development has so far created more than 50 direct and indirect employment opportunities through construction and current business operations.
“I had always wanted to invest back home. After working and saving enough to undertake a development of this nature, I decided that Karoi was where I wanted to put my investment and contribute to the growth of the community,” Tomu said.
The shopping complex is only the first stage of a wider plan. Tomu says future phases include a proposed US$300,000 service station expected in 2027, as well as a gas retail centre, medical centre, hotel and gym facility. The proposed medical centre is intended to improve access to healthcare services for Karoi and surrounding communities, while the hotel, service station and other facilities are expected to support residents, businesses and travellers.
As the complex is still new, it is too early to say whether the returns will ultimately justify the scale of investment. Like any business project, its long-term success will depend on occupancy, customer traffic, operating costs and the wider economic environment. Nevertheless, the investment is commendable and positive for Brand Zimbabwe, particularly at a time when the country needs productive investment, confidence and visible local development.
“Twin Gate is a long-term investment. We want to continue developing the property, creating jobs and bringing more services and business opportunities to Karoi,” Tomu said.
With further development planned beyond the initial shopping complex, Twin Gate is positioning itself as more than a retail centre. If the project continues as planned, it has the potential to become an important commercial and service destination for Karoi and surrounding communities.
