Midlands Province sets US$1bn investment target

THE Midlands Province has set an ambitious target of facilitating investments worth US$1 billion in 2026 as it positions itself to make a significant contribution towards Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

The investment drive will focus on mining, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate and infrastructure, leveraging the province’s central location, mineral wealth and transport links.

The target forms part of a broader provincial economic strategy aligned to Vision 2030, with officials citing ongoing construction, new housing projects and expanding commercial developments as evidence of growing investor confidence.

The province has seen a surge in activity since 2018, with private developers, diaspora-funded projects and Government programmes driving new residential estates, shopping malls, service stations and industrial parks.

If met, the 2026 investment target would bolster national efforts to grow Gross Domestic Product and create jobs, with the wholesale and retail sector alone expected to grow 7,4 percent by 2026, according to Government projections.

Addressing delegates attending a recent fourth Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Secretary Dr Edgar Seenza said the province was building on strong momentum recorded in 2025, when it facilitated investments exceeding US$275 million.

Dr Seenza said the figures reflect growing investor confidence in the province’s economic prospects.
“We are targeting US$1 billion in investment in 2026. Midlands continues to attract both local and international investors due to its strategic advantages,” he said.

Dr Seenza described the province as a microcosm of Zimbabwe’s economic potential and industrial ambition, citing its central geographic location and rich resource base as key drivers of growth.

He noted that the provincial economy is robust and diversified, with mining contributing 35,3 percent to gross domestic product (GDP), followed by manufacturing at 14,5 percent and agriculture at 8,6 percent.

“These sectors present vast opportunities for diaspora investment, particularly in mineral beneficiation and value addition, agro-processing and irrigation development, manufacturing and industrial value chains, as well as infrastructure and energy development,” he said.

Dr Seenza highlighted that Midlands is richly endowed with natural resources, including a significant portion of the mineral-rich Great Dyke, which hosts key minerals such as gold, platinum, chrome, lithium and iron ore.

He said hosting this year’s diaspora conference in the province comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe rolls out the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which emphasises international engagement and re-branding the country as an attractive investment destination.

“The NDS2 recognises the Diaspora as a strategic partner in driving investment, innovation and industrialisation,” he said.

Dr Seenza urged Zimbabweans living abroad to take an active role in national development, describing them as key players in the country’s economic transformation.

“You are not just participants, but key architects of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation. Your remittances, expertise, networks, and entrepreneurial spirit are critical pillars in achieving Vision 2030,” he said.
Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Co-ordination, and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Willard Manungo reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Diaspora.

He said authorities are working to deepen dialogue, build trust and create mutually beneficial partnerships between the Diaspora, Government and the private sector.

“In line with the principle ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, Government recognises Zimbabweans in the Diaspora as an integral part of the nation’s development architecture,” said Dr Manungo.

He added that efforts are underway to improve the ease of doing business, implement policy reforms, and develop financial instruments that attract Diaspora savings and investments.

“We are committed to strengthening institutional frameworks that facilitate meaningful Diaspora participation in national development,” he said.

Dr Manungo noted that the Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference has evolved beyond a discussion platform and is now delivering tangible outcomes that contribute to economic growth.

“This demonstrates the growing confidence that Zimbabweans abroad have in the opportunities available back home,” he said.