Since 2017 the Government has pursued economic reforms under the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy, to improve the investment climate and attract capital into the productive sectors of the economy.
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) is the place to start, with a do-it-yourself investor portal and a one-stop shop for investment services.
Why invest in Zimbabwe
- A stable, peaceful and secure environment
- Rich natural resources
- A highly literate and youthful population
- A strategic location in the heart of southern Africa: a gateway to regional and international markets
- Investor-friendly policies, streamlined regulation and attractive fiscal incentives, under continual review
Investments fall into three categories: general investments, public-private partnerships and special economic zones.
Opportunities by sector
Mining
Zimbabwe holds the world’s second-largest deposits of platinum group metals, concentrated in the Great Dyke. It is a rising power in critical minerals, with some of the largest lithium reserves in Africa, and substantial deposits of chrome, nickel and rare earth elements, vital for electric vehicles, wind turbines and modern technology. Foreign investors can take part across the mining value chain: finance and technical services, exploration, extraction, logistics, processing and adding value.
Agriculture
Long known as the breadbasket of southern Africa, Zimbabwe offers opportunities in high-value export horticulture (blueberries, macadamia nuts, avocados, fresh vegetables and flowers), agro-processing, dairy and beef production, and mechanisation and irrigation.
Manufacturing
Rich raw materials, government incentives and regional export demand drive high-growth opportunities in manufacturing.
Renewable energy
Zimbabwe has significant potential for solar and onshore wind power, hydropower along the Zambezi (5 GW), smaller hydropower schemes (150 MW) and geothermal power (50 MW).
Tourism
Built on the country’s natural wonders, cultural richness and hospitality, the tourism sector offers a wide range of opportunities. See Visit Zimbabwe.
Infrastructure
There is potential in expanding and modernising existing infrastructure and in building new: highways and toll roads linking the main cities, power generation, dams, water supply, and budget hotels for the tourism industry.
Healthcare
Zimbabwe is positioned as a logistics hub for the SADC and COMESA regions. There are large opportunities in health infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics.
Trade with Zimbabwe
For exporters and buyers, Trade Zimbabwe presents Zimbabwean products and suppliers.