Johnson Progress

In a major boost to seasonal commerce and community spirit, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has launched an ambitious 10-day festival designed to stimulate local business and celebrate national culture.

Dubbed “10 Days to 2026,” the event transforms Westgate Shopping Mall into a bustling epicenter of activity from December 22 to 31, 2025.

The festival represents a strategic shift towards creating experiential retail destinations, with a pronounced focus on tangible economic impact.

It provides a concentrated platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), food vendors, crafters, and entertainers to access heightened consumer traffic during the critical year-end shopping period.

The programme features extended trading hours, a dedicated night market, daily roller skating, and a series of themed daily experiences aimed at driving footfall and spending.

Beyond commerce, organizers emphasize that celebrating Zimbabwean identity is a core pillar of the event.

The itinerary is packed with cultural and entertainment offerings, commencing with a soulful Jazz Night on December 22 and progressing through dedicated days like Culture Day on December 27.

The festival will culminate in a large-scale New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert featuring prominent local artists such as Feli Nandi, EXQ, and the Travellers Band.

Lillian Mbayiwa, Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, framed the festival as a multifaceted initiative with deeper community goals.

She paraphrased its purpose as extending beyond mere entertainment to become a catalyst for local enterprise and cultural cohesion. Mbayiwa then elaborated directly, stating: “This festival is more than a celebration,it is a platform that supports local enterprise, strengthens cultural identity, and provides families with meaningful shared experiences. We are creating an environment where communities can thrive while enabling our retail partners and SMEs to gain real economic value.”

Aligned with the company’s sustainability commitments, the event remains largely free for public attendance, ensuring broad accessibility.

Only select seated shows carry a nominal charge.

The family-friendly agenda includes a Santa Box for children, wellness sessions, kids’ entertainment zones, and diverse cultural showcases, all curated to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors.

The initiative also underscores Old Mutual’s vision for its national property portfolio.

The management of Westgate Mall is actively guiding its evolution from a conventional retail space into a dynamic lifestyle and community hub.

The “10 Days to 2026” festival, with its blend of commerce, culture, and entertainment, is a direct manifestation of this strategy.

Additional programme highlights include a Free Gym Weekend on December 28 and 29, and live radio broadcasts from the mall on December 30.

With its fusion of music, commerce, food, and family activities, the festival positions itself as a premier national year-end celebration, aiming to unite communities as Zimbabwe ushers in the new year.