Five apartment blocks at the fast-growing Pomona City Estate are expected to be ready for occupation by the end of June, marking a significant milestone in one of Harare’s most ambitious urban developments.

WestProp Holdings chief executive Ken Sharpe confirmed that construction of the flats is at an advanced stage, underscoring steady progress toward the realization of Pomona City as Zimbabwe’s first fully integrated hybrid city.

The completed blocks form part of Phase One of the residential component, which will ultimately comprise 22 four-storey apartment blocks, each containing 16 modern units. A second phase, planned on a similar scale, is set to substantially increase housing capacity within the estate.

Designed with a focus on modern aesthetics and sustainable living, the Pomona Flats feature contemporary finishes, well-planned living spaces and convenient access to key amenities. The project has already generated strong market interest, reflecting growing confidence in Harare’s evolving urban landscape.

WestProp has established itself as a major player in property development through projects such as Millennium Heights and Pokugara, while its flagship development, The Hills Luxury Golf Estate, continues to embody the company’s integrated “live, work, shop and play” philosophy.

Momentum at Pomona City has been further strengthened by the introduction of a zero-deposit payment option for apartment buyers, a move that has broadened access for both homeowners and property investors.

The flats are part of a wider strategy by WestProp to reshape urban living in Zimbabwe by creating secure, lifestyle-oriented and environmentally conscious communities. With construction progressing on schedule, potential buyers are being encouraged to secure units while availability remains.

Often described as a “city within a city,” Pomona City Estate enjoys a prime location adjacent to the Wingate Golf Club and close to Harare’s rapidly expanding northern commercial zone, commonly referred to as the Green Zone.

In addition to residential units, sales have commenced for commercial stands designated for a modern shopping complex, which will serve as a central feature of the estate’s hybrid-city concept.

According to Sharpe, the planned commercial hub will offer retail, dining and entertainment facilities within walking distance of residential areas, reinforcing Pomona’s vision of a self-contained urban environment.

Industry analysts are also looking ahead to an anticipated announcement later this year regarding Phase Two of the project, expected to further solidify Pomona City Estate’s position as a model for integrated urban development.

Originally launched as a US$4 billion investment, Pomona City Estate is rapidly emerging as more than a housing development. With apartments nearing completion, commercial opportunities opening up and further expansion in the pipeline, the project is increasingly being viewed as a bold statement on the future of urban living in Harare—and Zimbabwe at large.

China’s foreign trade reached an unprecedented level in 2025, driven by a broader range of trading partners and strong performance from private companies, according to newly released official statistics.

Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that the country’s total trade in goods rose to 45.47 trillion yuan (US$6.35 trillion), representing a 3.8 percent increase compared to the previous year. Export values grew by 6.1 percent to 26.99 trillion yuan, while imports saw a modest rise of 0.5 percent, totaling 18.48 trillion yuan.

This milestone further cements China’s status as the world’s largest trading nation in goods.

Trade expansion was particularly strong with emerging economies. China engaged in trade with more than 240 countries and regions, achieving growth with 190 trading partners.

Commerce with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) increased by 6.3 percent to 23.6 trillion yuan, accounting for nearly 52 percent of overall trade activity. Trade volumes with ASEAN, Latin America, and Africa rose significantly, climbing 8 percent, 6.5 percent, and 18.4 percent, respectively.

China’s export profile continued to move toward higher-value and environmentally friendly products. Shipments of high-technology goods increased by 13.2 percent to 5.25 trillion yuan. Exports of key green technology products including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels surged by over 27 percent, while overseas sales of wind power equipment jumped nearly 49 percent.

Despite lower global commodity prices, imports showed steady improvement, especially in the latter half of the year. Import growth was recorded for three straight quarters from the second quarter onward.

For the year as a whole, imports of mechanical and electrical products rose 5.7 percent to 7.41 trillion yuan, with notable increases in electronic components and computer parts.

Participation by businesses in foreign trade also broadened. More than 780,000 companies were involved in import and export activities during the year.

Private enterprises remained the backbone of trade growth, recording transactions worth 26.04 trillion yuan, a 7.1 percent increase, and raising their contribution to 57.3 percent of China’s total trade.

Zimbabwe recorded a goods trade surplus of USD 90.5 million in November 2025, marking a 215.2% increase from the USD 28.7 million surplus recorded in October.

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) revealed that this surge was driven by export growth combined with a sharp contraction in imports.

The monthly surplus was the result of exports amounting to USD 1.046 billion, which exceeded imports of USD 955.8 million, indicating a strengthening external trade position.

“Zimbabwe’s goods trade balance for November 2025 was a surplus of US$90.5 million, a 215.2% increase from the October 2025 surplus of USD 28.7 million,” ZimStat stated in its November 2025 External Trade Report.

The agency noted that the trade outcome reflects the fundamental dynamics of export and import performance.

While exports in November rose only marginally compared to the previous month, imports declined significantly, reinforcing the surplus.

“November 2025 exports amounted to USD 1.046 billion, an increase of 0.4% (USD 4.5 million) from the October 2025 value of USD 1.042 billion,” ZimStat reported.

“Imports for the month totalled USD 955.8 million, which was 5.7% (USD 57.2 million) less than the October 2025 imports of USD 1.013 billion.”

The statistics agency indicated that November’s export earnings were largely underpinned by a narrow range of commodities.

“Among the top ten products exported were semi‑manufactured gold, tobacco (partly or wholly stemmed or stripped), and nickel mattes, accounting for 42.4%, 23.7%, and 17.0% of the total export value, respectively.”

On the import side, energy and capital goods dominated the bill.

“Mineral fuels and oils, machinery and mechanical appliances, cereals, and fertilisers were among the top ten imported products, constituting 20.4%, 10.5%, 7.0%, and 6.4% of the total import value, respectively,” stated ZimStat.

The agency said Zimbabwe’s export earnings were concentrated in a few key markets.

“The country’s major export destinations in November 2025 were the United Arab Emirates (44.4%), South Africa (21.8%), and China (21.2%).

These three countries accounted for about 87% of total export value.”

South Africa remained Zimbabwe’s dominant source of imports.

“The major source countries were South Africa (39.2%), China (15.8%), the Bahamas (7.2%), and Bahrain (6.8%), accounting for around 69% of the total import value.”

ZimStat also indicated strong export performance within regional and continental trade blocs.

The major exports to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were nickel mattes (74.6%), tobacco (4.4%), coke and semi‑coke of coal (4.1%), and nickel ores and concentrates (3.9%).

Exports to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) followed a similar pattern, dominated by the same four products, which together accounted for about 87% of the total export value of USD 238.5 million to the bloc.

ZimStat concluded that the November trade figures point to a marked improvement in Zimbabwe’s goods trade position, largely supported by mineral exports and restrained import demand.

This resulted in one of the strongest monthly trade surpluses recorded in 2025.