Government Unveils Major Infrastructure Development Plan
June 2, 2025
Trade Facts & Figures
17.0 M
Population
Estimated mid‑2025 population (Worldometer)
US$ 93 B
GDP (PPP)
IMF projection for 2025 (in current international dollars)
386,850 km²
Land Area
Stable as per World Bank/UN estimates
Why Trade in Zimbabwe
Central Southern African Location
Zimbabwe offers a strategic geographic position, providing access to the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regions.
Rich Natural Resource Base
The country is endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources, including gold, platinum group metals (PGMs), diamonds, lithium, chrome, and coal, offering significant opportunities in the extractive sector. It also has fertile agricultural land.
Developing Infrastructure Network
Zimbabwe has an established network of roads, railways, and airports connecting to key regional and international markets. Ongoing efforts are aimed at rehabilitating and upgrading this infrastructure to boost trade efficiency.
Preferential Trade Agreements
Zimbabwe is a member of SADC and COMESA, providing preferential access to a large regional market. It also has trade agreements with the UK (ESA EPA) and various bilateral arrangements that can reduce trade barriers.
Skilled and Educated Labour Force
The nation boasts a high literacy rate and a pool of skilled and semi-skilled labour, particularly in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, often at competitive wage levels.
Growing Key Sectors
Opportunities for trade exist across various sectors, notably in mining, agriculture (tobacco, horticulture, sugar), manufacturing (food processing, textiles), and tourism.
Focus on Export Diversification
The government is actively promoting the diversification of its export base beyond traditional commodities, encouraging value addition and the growth of non-traditional exports.
Re-engagement Efforts
Zimbabwe is actively working on re-engaging with the international community, which could lead to improved trade relations and access to new markets.
Zimbabwe Trade News
Zimbabwe's Lithium Exports Surge as New Processing Plants Come Online
May 28, 2025
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Zimbabwe Secures New Horticulture Export Deal with EU Markets
May 20, 2025
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Beitbridge Border Post Upgrade Boosts Zimbabwe's Regional Trade Flow
May 15, 2025
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New Manufacturing SEZ in Bulawayo Attracts Key Investment for Zimbabwe
May 5, 2025
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Unlock The Potential Of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers a resilient economy with significant opportunities in mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. With a strategic location in Southern Africa, abundant natural resources, and a skilled workforce, Zimbabwe is poised for growth. By leveraging ongoing economic reforms and regional trade agreements, businesses can explore diverse investment avenues and contribute to the nation's development.
Investment Facts & Figures
$342M
FDI Inflows
Estimated annual foreign direct investment (UNCTAD, 2023 est.)
3.6%
GDP Growth
Projected real GDP growth rate for 2025 (AfDB, IMF)
61%
Young Population
Population under 25 years old (UN Population Division)
Why Invest in Zimbabwe
Abundant Mineral Wealth
Zimbabwe possesses vast and diverse mineral resources, including significant deposits of platinum, gold, diamonds, lithium (critical for the green economy), chrome, and coal, presenting major investment opportunities.
Agricultural Potential
The country has large tracts of fertile land and a favourable climate for a variety of crops, including tobacco, cotton, sugar, horticultural products, and livestock, offering potential in farming and agro-processing.
Tourism Appeal
Zimbabwe is home to iconic tourist attractions such as Victoria Falls (a UNESCO World Heritage site), diverse wildlife parks (e.g., Hwange, Mana Pools), and the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, offering significant opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Strategic Location & Market Access
Its central location in Southern Africa, coupled with membership in SADC and COMESA, provides access to a large regional market for goods and services.
Developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Zimbabwe has designated SEZs offering a range of incentives for investors, including tax breaks, duty-free importation of capital equipment, and streamlined regulatory processes in areas like Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and Harare.
Infrastructure Development Focus
There is a recognized need and government focus on rehabilitating and developing key infrastructure (energy, transport, water), creating opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and direct investment.
Renewable Energy Drive
With abundant sunshine and other renewable resources, Zimbabwe offers growing opportunities in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar power, as the country seeks to address energy shortages and promote cleaner energy.
Government Commitment to Reform
The Zimbabwean government has expressed a commitment to economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring investor protection.
Key Investment Sectors in Zimbabwe
Mining & Minerals
Zimbabwe has world-class deposits of platinum group metals, gold, diamonds, lithium, chromite, coal, and nickel. Opportunities exist in exploration, extraction, and beneficiation.
Agriculture & Agro-processing
Rich agricultural land supports tobacco (a major export), cotton, sugar, tea, coffee, horticulture (flowers, fruits, vegetables), and livestock. Value addition and agro-processing are key growth areas.
Manufacturing
Potential for growth in food and beverages, textiles and clothing, engineering, and construction materials. Import substitution and export-oriented manufacturing are encouraged.
Renewable Energy
Significant potential for solar power projects, and to a lesser extent, hydro and biomass energy. Investment is crucial for enhancing energy security and diversifying the energy mix.
Tourism
Zimbabwe offers diverse attractions including Victoria Falls, wildlife safaris in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools, the Eastern Highlands, and cultural heritage sites. Investment is needed in accommodation, tour operations, and infrastructure.
SADC-Aligned Investment Incentives in Zimbabwe
These incentives are designed to attract and facilitate both local and foreign investment into various sectors of Zimbabwe's economy.
Tax Incentives
- Reduced corporate tax rates in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- Duty-free importation of capital equipment for SEZ investors
- VAT exemptions on specified goods for SEZ operators
- Capital allowances
Financial Support & Guarantees
- Investment guarantees (e.g., through bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements - BIPPA)
- Access to finance through local and regional development banks (e.g., Afreximbank, TDB)
Business Support
- Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) as a one-stop shop for investors
- Facilitation of permits and licenses
- SEZ Authority support
Success Stories
These sectors highlight Zimbabwe’s current economic activities and growth areas, contributing to regional development and trade.
Mining Sector Expansion
Several international mining houses have significant PGM, gold, and diamond operations. New investments are particularly evident in the lithium sector, with multiple projects under development aiming for export.
Renewable Energy Projects
Several independent power producers (IPPs) have been licensed and are developing solar power plants of varying scales to supply the national grid and for private consumption.
Horticulture Exports
Zimbabwean companies have successfully exported horticultural products like peas, citrus fruits, and flowers to European and other international markets, showcasing quality and compliance.
Investment News
Stay updated with the latest developments and headlines from Zimbabwe, covering economic growth, investment, and national progress.
Lithium Sector Attracts New Foreign Investment
May 28, 2025
Victoria Falls Sees Record Tourist Arrivals in Q2
May 20, 2025
Boost in Wheat Production Forecast for Current Season
May 15, 2025
Technology Facts & Figures
48%
Internet Penetration
Population with Internet Access (2024 Est.)
95%
Mobile Subscription
Active mobile users in Zimbabwe (2024 Est.)
10+
Tech Hubs
Innovation & startup centers nationwide
4.5%
ICT Contribution
To Zimbabwe’s GDP (2024 Est.)
7
Key Tech Sectors
Including Fintech, AgriTech, EduTech
5.1%
Fixed Broadband
Estimated penetration by mid-2024
Technology Sectors in Zimbabwe
FinTech & Digital Payments
Driven by high mobile penetration, this sector is prominent, with mobile money services being a cornerstone of the payments landscape. Innovations focus on enhancing financial inclusion, cross-border payments, and digital lending, though regulatory evolution and infrastructure are ongoing areas of development.
AgriTech & Sustainable Farming
Technology is increasingly being applied to optimise agricultural output and sustainability. This includes the use of mobile advisory services, climate information systems, precision agriculture techniques (where feasible), and solutions for improving market access for farmers. Addressing food security and enhancing value chains are key objectives.
HealthTech & Digital Health
There is a growing interest in leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Telemedicine initiatives, health information systems, and mobile health applications are emerging to enhance access, efficiency, and health outcomes.
E-commerce & RetailTech
While still developing, the e-commerce sector is growing, supported by increasing internet access and a youthful population. Challenges include logistics and payment gateway integration, but there is potential for online marketplaces, digital retail solutions, and delivery services.
Renewable Energy & CleanTech
This sector is gaining traction with a focus on solar energy solutions to address energy deficits and promote sustainability. Technology in smart metering, off-grid solutions, and energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important.
EdTech (Education Technology)
Efforts are underway to integrate technology into education, providing digital learning resources, online training platforms, and tools to enhance skills development, particularly in response to the need for remote learning capabilities.
Software Development & IT Services
A small but growing community of software developers and IT professionals provide services to local and, in some cases, international clients. There's potential for growth in custom software solutions, mobile app development, and IT support.
Cybersecurity
As digitalisation increases, so does the need for cybersecurity solutions. This is an emerging area of focus for businesses and governments to protect digital assets and ensure secure online transactions.
Zimbabwe's Emerging Technology Hubs
Technology development in Zimbabwe is primarily concentrated in the major urban centres, with some nascent activity in other areas.
Harare: The Primary Tech & Innovation Centre
As the capital and largest city, Harare is the main hub for tech startups, innovation spaces, and corporate IT activity. It hosts the majority of tech events, co-working spaces, and has a higher concentration of skilled tech talent and access to funding opportunities. Notable innovation hubs and university programs support this ecosystem.
Bulawayo: Emerging Secondary Hub
Zimbabwe's second-largest city has a growing tech scene, often with a focus on solutions relevant to its industrial base and regional needs. Efforts are being made to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, with some tech meetups and smaller hubs emerging.
Academic Institutions as Catalysts
Universities like the University of Zimbabwe (Harare), National University of Science and Technology (NUST, Bulawayo), and Chinhoyi University of Technology play a role in fostering tech talent and research, contributing to the innovation ecosystem in their respective locations.
Zimbabwe Technology News
Stay informed on the most recent news and developments shaping Zimbabwe's Tech landscape.
New Mining Investment Policies to Boost Sector Growth
June 3, 2025
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Local Tech Startups Secure Significant Seed Funding Rounds
May 29, 2025
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AgriTech Innovations Transforming Rural Farming Practices
May 25, 2025
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Tourism Sector Anticipates Surge in International Visitors
May 20, 2025
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Unlock The Tech Potential Of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe presents significant untapped tech potential, driven by a highly educated and youthful population, rapidly increasing mobile and internet penetration, and a strong drive for digital transformation. With expanding access to affordable smartphones and a growing digital economy, the country is well-positioned for innovation across sectors like fintech, agritech, and edtech. Government and private sector initiatives are actively improving ICT infrastructure and digital skills, creating a dynamic foundation for a thriving tech ecosystem that can boost economic development, enhance public services, and generate numerous job opportunities.
Contact Us
Ezekiel Mukanga
1 Mulholland Drive, Chisipite
Harare, Zimbabwe