Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality landscape received a fresh boost as President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa officially opened The Sprout, a new restaurant at the Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd site, marking a significant transformation of the once waste-dominated area into an emerging lifestyle and tourism destination.
The launch event, attended by senior government officials, including the award winning tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi, highlighted the growing importance of innovation-driven spaces that merge sustainability with leisure and economic activity.
Positioned within the evolving Pomona Industrial Development Corridor, The Sprout restaurant represents a bold reimagining of urban spaces, turning a waste management facility into a multi-functional hub that now attracts visitors, investors, and locals seeking unique dining and recreational experiences.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa commended the rapid development at the site, noting that the project aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader economic blueprints, including National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030. He praised the initiative as a symbol of homegrown innovation and national pride.
“This facility demonstrates that Zimbabwe can create modern, attractive spaces that combine environmental sustainability with tourism and hospitality,” said Mnangagwa. “The Sprout will serve as a symbol of progress and adds another feather in the hat of our well-performing tourism sector.”
The restaurant’s opening signals a growing trend in experiential tourism, where visitors are drawn not only by traditional attractions but also by unique, story-driven destinations. With its modern infrastructure and eco-conscious foundation, the Geo Pomona site is fast becoming a point of interest for both domestic and international tourists.
Beyond tourism appeal, the project has delivered notable socio-economic benefits. Employment at Geo Pomona has surged from just six workers in 2022 to over 1,200 today, with a strong emphasis on hiring from surrounding communities. This growth underscores the role of tourism-linked investments in driving inclusive development.
President Mnangagwa also encouraged players in the hospitality industry to strengthen linkages with local agriculture by sourcing ingredients from Zimbabwean farmers, thereby promoting sustainable value chains within the tourism ecosystem.
The ongoing infrastructure upgrades within the Pomona corridor—including improved roads and modern amenities, are further enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. Government has urged stakeholders to maintain these standards and ensure efficient urban planning, including proper transport systems and traffic management.
As Zimbabwe continues to diversify its tourism offerings, developments like The Sprout reflect a shift towards innovative, sustainable destinations that tell a story of transformation. What was once a landfill is now poised to become a symbol of possibility, where environment, enterprise, and experience converge.
With the official declaration of The Sprout’s opening, Geo Pomona has firmly positioned itself as a pioneering model for integrating waste management, tourism, and hospitality, setting the stage for similar initiatives across the country.
