Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
BULAWAYO and two other Matabeleland provinces recorded significant investment inflows in the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring growing investor confidence in the regions as the Government intensifies decentralisation of economic activities and industrialisation across the country.
Latest investment licensing statistics for the period under review show that Bulawayo attracted US$53 million in approved investments on the back of four licensed projects.
According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), although modest in terms of project numbers, the growth in investments points to capital-intensive ventures, largely anchored in manufacturing, property development and services, reinforcing the city’s re-emergence as a key industrial hub.
In Matabeleland North Province, approved investment projects during the fourth quarter amounted to US$55,35 million, with eight licenses issued.
The province continues to leverage its strategic advantages, including mining potential, tourism assets and proximity to regional markets, as it positions itself for sustained growth under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the transition towards NDS2.
Matabeleland South recorded US$17,98 million licensed investments across nine projects.
While the overall investment value remains relatively lower compared to other provinces, the number of projects reflects broad-based interest, particularly in mining, agriculture and infrastructure-related initiatives expected to stimulate downstream economic activity and employment creation.
Analysts say the investments in the regions point to improving investor sentiment driven by ongoing infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms and targeted incentives aimed at promoting balanced regional development.
Across the rest of the country, investment activity during the fourth quarter of 2025 remained robust, with Harare maintaining its dominance as the primary investment destination.
