We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple, as confirmed by Prophet Thomas S. Monson during the 186th Annual General Conference on April 3, 2016. This announcement marked the beginning of an important development for our community and the faithful in Zimbabwe.
On December 12, 2020, the groundbreaking ceremony took place, led by Elder Edward Dube, 1st Counselor in the African South Area Presidency and a native of Zimbabwe. His remarks, “As we watch the rising of this building from the ground up, may we also turn our hearts upward to Thee and Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ,” captured the significance and hope associated with this monumental Temple. The presence of President Mnangagwa during the ceremony underscored the collaborative relationship between the Church and local leadership, as he acknowledged the Church’s contributions to national development and the welfare of citizens. At the groundbreaking ceremony was President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, was also in attendance. President Mnangagwa praised the Church in his remarks, saying, “The contribution of the Church to national development and social well being of the citizenry cannot be overemphasized.”
The Harare Zimbabwe Temple will open its Public Open House from January 22 to February 7, 2026. This event will provide an opportunity for the community to engage with this significant addition to our landscape. The temple will be situated at 65 Enterprise Road, Highlands, Harare, covering an area of 6.7 acres and reaching a height of 103 feet 4 inches. It features a single attached end spire, albeit without a gold-leafed Angel Moroni. The interior will offer two Instruction Rooms, two Sealing Rooms, and one baptistry, totaling 17,247 square feet.
The artistic rendering of the temple was released on October 1, 2020, and has generated a considerable amount of anticipation within the community. This temple is expected to provide considerable assistance to members, patrons currently face a 13-hour journey to reach the Johannesburg South African Temple. As the first temple in Zimbabwe and the eighth in Africa, the Harare Zimbabwe Temple will serve a growing membership of approximately 26,000 individuals across six stakes and two districts, reinforcing our commitment to spiritual growth and community service.
Furthermore, the visit of Prophet Russell M. Nelson to the site on April 17, 2018, significantly inspired enthusiasm for the temple’s development. The Harare Zimbabwe Temple stands as a testament to faith and resilience, poised to enhance spiritual lives and foster a sense of unity within the community for years to come.