Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MANICALAND attracted projected investments worth US$78.10 million through six investment licences issued in the third quarter of 2026, reflecting continued investor interest in the province’s economic sectors.
Data released by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) shows that investors are targeting mining, agriculture, manufacturing, timber processing and value addition.
Nationally, ZIDA issued 182 new investment licences valued at a combined US$2,61 billion, representing a 64,1 percent increase from US$1, 59 billion recorded in the second quarter.
ZIDA chief executive officer, Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, said the agency’s priority was to turn approved investment proposals into operational projects that support industrialisation, employment creation, exports and sustainable economic growth.
“The third quarter of 2026 recorded continued investment interest in Zimbabwe’s productive sectors, alongside progress in project preparation, investor establishment support and the development of new investment opportunities. As the Agency moves towards the final quarter of the year, our priority remains to translate the interest into operational projects that contribute to industrialisation, employment, exports and sustainable economic growth.
“During the quarter, the Agency issued 182 new investment licences with a combined projected investment value of US$2,61billion. This represents a 64,1 percent increase in projected valued compared with the second quarter, despite a slight decline in licenses issued. Manufacturing and mining accounted for 87, 6 percent of projected investment, with manufacturing becoming the leading sector by approved investment value. Midlands attracted the largest provincial share of projected investment, while Harare continued to lead in the number of licenced projects.
“The August rollout of the Investor Establishment and Facilitation Framework strengthened the Agency’s approach to post-licencing support. Newly licenced investors were contacted to identify their regulatory and establishment requirements, allowing the Agency to engage relevant institutions earlier in the implementation process. In parallel, 30 investors were profiled for targeted aftercare support, with refinement of the Aftercare Framework and the development of investor engagement plans.
“Our focus in the Fourth Quarter will be on progressing investment commitments towards implementation, supporting financing for strategic projects, strengthening investor aftercare and improving renewal compliance. We will also continue to engage the Government on regulatory issues affecting investment, including the alignment of incentives applicable to Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing,” said Mr Chinamo.
According to ZIDA, Midlands Province attracted the largest projected investment value during the third quarter, with US$1,406, 77 million from 30 licences, representing approximately 54 percent of the national total.
Harare recorded the highest number of investment licences, with 81 approvals, accounting for 44, 5 percent of the total. These projects had a combined projected investment value of US$360, 78 million.
Mashonaland West followed by projected investment value, attracting US$223, 12 million through 19 licences.
Manicaland attracts US$78m investment
