Ministry Plans to Transform National Heroes Stadium into Multi-Purpose Economic Hub

The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has unveiled plans to reposition the National Heroes Stadium as a modern, multi-purpose economic and cultural hub aimed at enhancing commercial activity and public access in Lusaka.

National Heroes Stadium Director Raphael Mulenga said the ministry is actively exploring large-scale investment opportunities on the expansive land surrounding the facility, with the objective of transforming the area into a vibrant commercial zone.

Mr. Mulenga disclosed that preliminary plans include the development of a shopping complex, a bus station, a fuel station and other complementary commercial amenities designed to improve convenience for the thousands of patrons who frequent the stadium.

He explained that the initiative will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, emphasizing that the ministry does not intend to rely solely on government financing for the proposed projects.

“We are aligning ourselves with global best practice where stadiums operate as self-sustaining ecosystems,” Mr. Mulenga said, noting that internationally, modern stadiums function as integrated spaces featuring retail outlets, food courts, sports galleries and entertainment facilities.

In addition to the commercial expansion, Mr. Mulenga revealed plans to modernise and redesign the Gabon Disaster Memorial, transforming it into a museum-style heritage and tourism centre that will preserve national history while attracting visitors.

He acknowledged that the scope of the redevelopment is substantial and will be executed in phases, citing resource constraints as a key consideration in the implementation strategy.

Mr. Mulenga has since called on private-sector investors to submit proposals, indicating that land is readily available and the ministry is keen to foster strategic partnerships that will unlock the site’s full economic potential.