Old Mutual 2026 Countdown Show at Westgate Mall
Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s 10-day festive programme at Westgate Shopping Mall is concluding today, 31 December 2025, after drawing shoppers, families and local businesses into a vibrant end-of-year celebration in Harare.
The initiative, branded “10 Days to 2026”, has been running since 22 December, transforming the Westgate complex into a busy cultural and commercial hub during one of the busiest periods on the retail calendar.
Organisers say the festival was designed not only to spread festive cheer, but also to stimulate local economic activity by creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), food vendors, crafters and entertainers.
Boosting trade during peak season
Throughout the programme, Westgate Mall hosted extended trading hours, a night market, themed daily experiences and regular roller-skating sessions, all aimed at increasing foot traffic and consumer spending.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe said the platform provided a rare, high-visibility opportunity for SMEs to engage directly with holiday shoppers at scale.
The festival also reflects the financial services group’s broader strategy of re-imagining retail spaces as experiential destinations rather than purely shopping venues.
Westgate Mall forms part of Old Mutual’s national property portfolio and has increasingly hosted lifestyle, wellness and entertainment activities alongside retail.
Celebrating culture and community
At the heart of the programme was a strong emphasis on Zimbabwean identity and shared community experiences.
The festival opened on 22 December with a Jazz Night and continued with Carols and Choirs, Culture Day, wellness sessions and family-focused activities, including children’s entertainment and the Santa Box.
Culture Day, held on 27 December, showcased traditional music, dance and dress, while a Free Gym Weekend from 28 to 29 December promoted health and wellness among visitors.
On 30 December, the mall hosted live radio streaming, adding to the festive build-up ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Free access and inclusive programming
In line with Old Mutual’s sustainability and community empowerment agenda, the festival remained free to attend, with only a nominal charge applied for seating at selected shows.
Organisers said safety, accessibility and inclusivity were prioritised, making the event suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
Lillian Mbayiwa, Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, said the programme was designed to deliver tangible social and economic value.
“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,” she said.
“We are creating an environment where communities can thrive while enabling our retail partners and SMEs to gain real economic value.”
New Year’s Eve Old Mutual 2026 Countdown Show
The programme culminates tonight with a New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert at Westgate Mall, featuring some of Zimbabwe’s leading music acts, including Feli Nandi, EXQ, the Travellers Band and DJ King Her.
The concert is expected to draw large crowds as Harare residents gather to usher in 2026.
As the final day comes to a close, Old Mutual Zimbabwe says the success of “10 Days to 2026” reinforces its vision of future-ready, community-centred retail spaces—where commerce, culture and entertainment intersect.
With music, food, culture and family activities under one roof, the festival has positioned itself as one of Zimbabwe’s standout festive season events, closing the year with a celebration rooted in local enterprise and shared experience.
About Old Mutual
Old Mutual is one of Africa’s oldest and most established financial services groups, with a history that spans more than 175 years.
Founded in 1845 in Cape Town, South Africa, the group has grown into a pan-African financial institution with operations across Southern, Eastern and West Africa, as well as a presence in key international markets.
The group offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions, including life assurance, asset management, banking, investment products, and general insurance, serving individuals, businesses, and institutions.
In Zimbabwe, Old Mutual has been operating for more than a century and is one of the country’s largest and most diversified financial services providers. Its local operations span life assurance, pensions, unit trusts, property investment and general insurance, as well as asset and investment management.
Beyond financial services, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has built a substantial property portfolio, which includes office parks, retail centres, and mixed-use developments, such as Westgate Shopping Mall.
These assets form part of the company’s long-term strategy to support urban development, commerce and community engagement.
Old Mutual is also known for its strong focus on sustainability, financial inclusion and community empowerment.
Through partnerships, youth and SME support initiatives, wellness programmes and cultural sponsorships, the group has positioned itself as a key contributor to economic and social development in Zimbabwe and across the continent.
