Online Reporter
Business Reporter
The Government is implementing comprehensive reforms to optimise business operations, safeguard investor interests, and improve the business environment, making it attractive for investors and entrepreneurs to operate.
Deputy Minister Raj, representing Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu, addressed diplomats at yesterday’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025 engagement breakfast in Harare
The event sought to lay the groundwork for the 65th Edition of the ZITF, which will be held from April 21 to 26, 2025, in Bulawayo under the theme, “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”
According to Minister Ndlovu, Zimbabwe aims to provide a competitive package of incentives, including tax breaks, duty exemptions, and preferential trade terms, specifically within its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract investors.
These incentives are tailored to boost growth in strategic sectors such as industrial manufacturing, agriculture, and mineral beneficiation.
“We are streamlining business processes, protecting investor rights, and enhancing the ease of doing business.
“To further incentivise investment, we offer a range of tax incentives, duty exemptions, and preferential trade conditions within our Special Economic Zones (SEZs), particularly in industrial manufacturing, agriculture, and mineral beneficiation,” said Minister Ndlovu while addressing the diplomats.
These developments come as Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube recently highlighted that the Government will make some significant changes to taxes and regulatory fees for businesses in the coming six months, to enhance the ease of doing business and make the country more investor-friendly.
According to Minister Ncube, some taxes and fees will be reduced by half, while others will be entirely eliminated.
The engagement was meant to rally diplomats to help secure a strong international presence at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2025 (ZITF 2025), ultimately boosting global participation and collaboration.
Minister Ndlovu indicated that ZITF is a vibrant platform that transcends a traditional exhibition, offering a thriving ecosystem where trade, networking, and industrial collaboration converge.
By convening key stakeholders, ZITF facilitates strategic partnerships, accelerates technological innovation, and promotes skills development, ultimately driving growth and prosperity.
“Your excellencies, your role in mobilising business delegations, trade representatives, and potential investors is of paramount importance. We urge you to engage your respective business communities, chambers of commerce, and investment agencies to ensure a robust international presence at ZITF 2025.
“As we approach ZITF 2025, I implore you to actively market this event in your home countries, highlighting the trade and investment opportunities that Zimbabwe offers.
We exhort you to actively facilitate high-level in-bound trade delegations, support our efforts to position Zimbabwe as a regional trade and industrial hub and showcase our economic reforms and growth potential.
He said Zimbabwe is endowed with a wealth of mineral resources, including gold, platinum, lithium, chrome, and diamonds, coupled with a robust agricultural sector which presents a fertile ground for value addition and beneficiation.
Minister Ndlovu indicated that Zimbabwe is on a trajectory of industrialisation, trade expansion, and economic transformation and therefore, needs support to attract investment and forge strong global partnerships.
Zimbabwe also presents several opportunities to investors as it is located at the heart of Southern Africa and is a natural gateway to the SADC, COMESA, and AfCFTA markets.
This access to a market of over 1,3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$3,4 trillion presents unparalleled opportunities for foreign businesses.
Bongani Ndlovu