Coworking Spaces & Remote Work in Zimbabwe
Whether you’re a digital nomad, business traveler needing a workspace, or remote worker passing through, Zimbabwe has a growing number of coworking spaces and business centers. This guide covers the best options across the country.Zimbabwe’s coworking scene is developing. Harare has the most options, while other cities offer limited but functional alternatives. Always confirm current availability and rates directly.
Harare
Dedicated Coworking Spaces
Impact Hub Harare
Type: Dedicated coworking space
Location: 44 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, CBDFacilities:
- Hot desks and dedicated desks
- Private offices
- Meeting rooms
- High-speed WiFi
- Printing/scanning
- Kitchen and coffee
- Event space
- Day pass: ~$15-20
- Monthly hot desk: ~$100-150
- Private office: On request
- Phone: +263 78 555 0000
- Web: impacthub.net (search Harare)
Space2B
Type: Coworking and innovation hub
Location: Borrowdale, HarareFacilities:
- Open workspace
- Meeting rooms
- Fast WiFi
- Coffee bar
- Networking events
- Business support services
- Day pass: ~$10-15
- Monthly membership: ~$80-120
- Check social media for current details
Seedco Innovation Hub
Type: Tech-focused coworking
Location: Msasa, HarareFacilities:
- Workstations
- Meeting rooms
- WiFi
- Tech community events
- Through Seedco Zimbabwe
Boost Fellowship Hub
Type: Startup-focused workspace
Location: Avondale, HarareFacilities:
- Hot desks
- Mentorship programs
- Networking
- Fast internet
- Through Boost Fellowship Zimbabwe
Hotel Business Centers
When You Need Quick Access:For business travelers who need occasional workspace, hotel business centers offer convenience:
Services Typically Include:
| Hotel | Business Center | WiFi Speed | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meikles Hotel | Full business center | Good | Guest/rate varies |
| Rainbow Towers | Conference center | Good | Ask at concierge |
| Cresta Lodge | Basic services | Good | Guests included |
| Bronte Hotel | Small center | Good | Guests included |
- WiFi access
- Printing/copying
- Meeting room booking
- Fax services (some)
- Secretarial support (on request)
WiFi-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants
Work-Friendly Cafes
Best for Casual Work Sessions:
Tips:
| Cafe | Location | WiFi | Power | Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad | Avondale | Fast | Yes | Excellent |
| Cafe Nush | Multiple | Good | Limited | Good |
| Freshly Ground | Borrowdale | Good | Some | Coffee/light |
| The Avocado Cafe | Multiple | Good | Yes | Health food |
| Lola’s Tapas | Avondale | Good | Some | Mediterranean |
- Buy food/drink to use WiFi (expected etiquette)
- Peak hours (lunch) can be busy
- Power outlets may be limited - bring charged devices
- WiFi passwords usually provided with purchase
- Morning (8am-11am): Quieter, more outlets available
- Avoid lunch rush (12-2pm) for calls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Work Options
Victoria Falls has limited dedicated coworking, but several options work for remote workers:Hotel Business Services:
Cafe Options:
Tips for Victoria Falls:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Hotel | Business services for guests, beautiful setting |
| The Kingdom Hotel | Conference center, can inquire about day access |
| Ilala Lodge | WiFi in common areas, garden workspace |
| Cafe | WiFi | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| The Three Monkeys | Yes | Casual work, good food |
| The Lookout Cafe | Yes | Views, afternoon work |
| Coffee corner cafes | Variable | Quick sessions |
- WiFi can be slower than Harare
- Power outages happen - have backup
- Morning is best for work before activities
- Most visitors are on vacation - respect the vibe
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Work Options
Bulawayo has limited coworking but some good options:Coworking/Incubators:Empower Hub
Cafes with WiFi:
Tip: Bulawayo is quieter than Harare. The pace is slower and finding a quiet spot to work is easier, but dedicated facilities are limited.
- Innovation and startup space
- Hot desks available
- Contact through local tech community
- Event space sometimes available
- Check locally
| Hotel | Business Services |
|---|---|
| Cresta Churchill | Basic business center |
| Holiday Inn | Meeting rooms, WiFi |
| Bulawayo Club | Historic setting, WiFi |
| Cafe | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indaba Book Cafe | Best option - books, coffee, WiFi |
| Java Coffee | Good coffee, decent WiFi |
Other Locations
Eastern Highlands
Remote Work in the Mountains:Limited formal coworking, but some lodges offer good work environments:
- Troutbeck Resort (Nyanga): WiFi, peaceful environment
- Leopard Rock Hotel (Bvumba): WiFi, scenic setting
- Various guesthouses: Often have WiFi, quiet workspace
- Internet can be slower/unreliable
- Power outages more common
- Limited backup options
Safari Lodges
Working from Safari Lodges:Most safari lodges have WiFi but with limitations:
- WiFi often in main areas only (not rooms)
- Speeds suitable for email, not video calls
- “Digital detox” is encouraged
- Work in early morning/evening when guests are on activities
- Communicate needs when booking
- Ask about dedicated work space
- Bring mobile data backup
- Consider Harare-based work before/after safari
Connectivity Tips
Internet Options
Staying Connected
Mobile Data (Recommended Backup):
Getting a SIM Card:
| Provider | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Econet | Best | Widest coverage, fastest data |
| NetOne | Good | Decent in cities |
| Telecel | Limited | Basic coverage |
- Purchase at airport or in cities
- Need passport for registration
- Top-up available everywhere
- Data bundles: ~$5-20 for 1-5GB
- Econet offers portable WiFi devices
- Good backup for business travelers
- Inquire at Econet shops
- Usually included in rate
- Speeds vary significantly
- Best in business hotels
- May be slower in rooms vs. lobby
Power & Equipment
Power Considerations
Load Shedding:
Zimbabwe experiences scheduled power cuts. For productive remote work:Essential Items:
- Laptop fully charged at all times
- Power bank (large capacity for laptop if possible)
- Phone power bank
- UK-style adapter (Zimbabwe uses 3-pin UK plugs)
- Most have backup generators
- UPS (uninterruptible power) on computers
- More reliable than cafes
- Business hotels have generators
- Ask about power schedule
- Charge devices whenever you have power
- May lose power mid-work
- Have mobile data backup
- Save work frequently
Practical Information
Cost Comparison
| Option | Daily Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel business center | Free-$20 | Hotel guests, quick needs |
| Coworking day pass | $10-20 | Full day work, meeting rooms |
| Coworking monthly | $80-150 | Extended stays, networking |
| Cafe + purchase | $5-10 | Casual work, few hours |
| Mobile data plan | $5-20 | Backup everywhere |
Etiquette Tips
Remote Work Etiquette
In Coworking Spaces:
- Respect quiet zones
- Take calls in designated areas
- Book meeting rooms for video calls
- Be mindful of shared resources
- Always purchase food/drink
- Don’t monopolize tables during rush
- Keep calls brief or step outside
- Tip appropriately
- Be flexible about connectivity issues
- Have offline work prepared
- Respect that Zimbabwe is developing its digital infrastructure
Quick Reference
At a Glance
Harare:
- Impact Hub - Best dedicated coworking
- Hotel business centers - Convenient for travelers
- Nomad cafe - Best cafe for work
- Hotel business services - Most reliable
- Work mornings, play afternoons
- Indaba Book Cafe - Best casual option
- Hotel centers for business travelers
- Power adapters (UK 3-pin)
- Power bank
- Mobile data SIM
- Patience for connectivity
Last updated: January 2025 Note: The coworking landscape changes. Contact spaces directly to confirm current operations and pricing.