Revitus Property Opportunities Real Estate Investment Trust (Revitus REIT) has signed a landmark agreement with Dubai-headquartered LEVA Hotels to redevelop Harare’s Chester House into a three-star upscale hotel under the EKONO by LEVA brand.

The announcement, made during the ZimReal – Zimbabwe’s Property Investment Forum in Harare, marks LEVA Hotels’ debut in Southern Africa and signals the beginning of Revitus REIT’s strategy to revitalise and repurpose its property portfolio.

A Landmark Reinvented

Located on 88 Speke Avenue in the heart of Harare’s central business district, Chester House is one of the capital’s most recognisable commercial properties. Once completed, EKONO by LEVA @ Chester House will introduce 117 modern guest rooms, contemporary social spaces, and curated dining outlets aimed at both business and leisure travellers.

The redevelopment is designed to balance heritage preservation with modern hospitality, reflecting a joint vision by both partners to enhance Harare’s tourism offering while maintaining the building’s historic significance.

Strategic Market Entry

Southern Africa has become an increasingly attractive region for tourism and business investment, with Zimbabwe positioning itself as a hub for regional and international visitors. For LEVA Hotels, the project represents a strategic step in its broader expansion across Africa, the Middle East and Europe, bringing Dubai’s hospitality expertise into new and emerging markets.

“Chester House holds an iconic place in Harare’s history, and transforming it into EKONO by LEVA will breathe new life into the city’s hospitality scene. This project will connect Dubai’s expertise in design-led, affordable upscale hotels with Africa’s growing tourism and business markets, while adding lasting value to the local community and economy,” said JS Anand, Founder and CEO of LEVA Hotels.

Tendai Muzadzi, Managing Director of CBZ Asset Management and Fund Manager for Revitus REIT, added: “Our partnership with LEVA Hotels is a strategic move to unlock new value from Chester House and together, we aim to deliver a product that meets global hospitality standards while resonating with Zimbabwe’s dynamic market.”

The project was formally announced by Agatha Dzenga, Projects Development & Operations Manager – Bay Harbour International, during her address at ZimReal, where she emphasised the importance of the development for Zimbabwe’s hospitality and property sectors.

Driving Growth in Harare

The upcoming hotel is expected to strengthen Harare’s role as a gateway city for business and tourism. By combining a focus on heritage with modern guest experiences, EKONO by LEVA @ Chester House is set to redefine hospitality benchmarks in Zimbabwe’s capital.

About LEVA Hotels

LEVA Hotels is a dynamic lifestyle hospitality brand headquartered in Dubai, known for redefining smart hospitality offering a fresh perspective in the midscale and upscale segments. With a growing portfolio across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, LEVA Hotels delivers innovative, design-led concepts that resonate with modern travellers.

About Revitus Property Opportunities REIT by CBZ Asset Management T/A Datvest

Revitus Property Opportunities Real Estate Investment Trust (“Revitus REIT”) is a Collective Investment Scheme constituted in Zimbabwe and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZ). The REIT is listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (“ZSE”) and is managed by CBZ Asset Management trading as Datvest. Revitus REIT focuses on unlocking value through strategic acquisitions, development, repurposing and redevelopment of properties, with a focus on promoting urban development, sustainability, and delivering long-term returns for investors. The REIT was listed on the ZSE in December 2023 with 5 seed properties from the National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund being Chester House, Electra House, Pioneer House, Africa House and Atlas House. The REIT has set a roadmap to revitalise these properties to unlock value and returns to unitholders in the long-term and Chester House is the first property to be repurposed under this roadmap.