Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in New York, United States
ZIMBABWE is one of Africa’s most compelling trade, investment and tourism destinations, with the country opening its doors to capital, technology, expertise, innovation, skills and access to international markets, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Addressing a gathering of American investors at the 2026 Zimbabwe Business Forum, the President said Zimbabwe offered a captivating combination of abundant natural resources, productive agricultural land, critical minerals, a skilled and adaptable workforce, established industrial capabilities and a strategic location in Southern Africa.
He assured investors that the country’s investment policy was non-discriminatory, stressing that Zimbabwe provided “fair and equitable treatment for all investors”.
“Our foreign policy, guided by the principle that ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy of none’ is a firm declaration of our commitment to deepen as well as broaden multi-faceted relations, partnerships and investments within the comity of nations.
“This openness is being buttressed by bold reforms designed to continually improve the business environment, at policy, institutional and operational levels. We are determined to ensure that Zimbabwe remains a favourable investment destination where capital feels safe,” he said.
As one of Africa’s most attractive trade, investment and tourism destinations, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remained open to investors.
The administrative processes associated with establishment, regulations, incentives and aftercare services across sectors, was seamless and centralised under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), the country’s one-stop investment services centre.
“Zimbabwe’s investment laws are enshrined in the principle of non-discrimination. We provide fair and equitable treatment for all investors. There are a variety of models and incentives on offer to enable win-win relations,” said the President.
The Second Republic continued to prioritise macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, productive sector investment and deepening the financial sector.
Zimbabwe is the fastest growing economy in Southern African, having recorded 8,3 percent growth in 2025, and projected to grow at 5 percent this year.
In addition, annual inflation averaged 4,2 percent during the first six months of this year.
“Our reform agenda is yielding the desired results and has to date received commendation from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, among other global investment institutions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa then outlined to the investors what Zimbabwe had to offer in many sectors of the economy.
In mining, he said Zimbabwe was richly endowed with a vast array of commercially exploitable critical minerals.
“These include lithium, gold, Platinum Group of Metals, chrome, nickel, diamonds, coal, rare earth elements, among others. Investment opportunities exist across exploration, extraction, processing, refining and downstream manufacturing.
“The strategic location of Zimbabwe along the North South corridor, offers scope for value addition and beneficiation for regional value chains,” he said.
In mining, Government policy required beneficiation at source, presenting opportunities for investors keen on deploying refining technologies to derive shared value from Africa’s rich critical mineral resources.
On agriculture, a central pillar of the Zimbabwean economy, President Mnangagwa said the sector offered investment opportunities in commercial farming, irrigation development, horticulture, livestock, seed storage, mechanisation, production and agro-processing.
Zambezi Fresh, which specialises in Blueberry production in Zimbabwe and is owned by a US investor, provided a practical example of the opportunities available in the sector.
Apart from that the President said energy and infrastructure were central enablers of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and growth ambitions.
“As such, investment opportunities exist with regards to independent green energy power production along with transmission infrastructure, leveraging on the SADC Power Pool, which is headquartered in our country.
“Rail rehabilitation and modernisation, road infrastructure upgrades and expansion, water and sanitation infrastructure, health facilities, housing, logistics platforms, among others are open for investment.
“The development of these aspects is a priority, in view of the ongoing industrialisation agenda within both SADC and COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) as well as enhancing trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
The President said Zimbabwe was a renowned global tourism destination, inviting investors to visit the country and seize opportunities within its internationally acclaimed natural and cultural attractions.
“These include the mighty Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders’; the Hwange National Park and Matopos National Park.
“The iconic Great Zimbabwe monuments, and scenic Eastern Highlands provide opportunities for niche real estate investments with regards holiday homes, golf courses among other unique products.
“Partnerships and investments to advance eco-tourism and nature preservation, through setting up or improving wildlife conservancies, along with hunting and safari services are welcome,” he said.
“Additionally, you can contribute to the tourism experience by investing in destination infrastructure, aviation support services and airline expansion, leveraging on our suitable and wide-ranging airports.”
Zimbabwe was ready to welcome more airlines to fly directly into Harare, Bulawayo and the City of Victora Falls, which have airports suitable to handle larger aircrafts, while numerous airports are dotted around the country for smaller planes.
“We guarantee you value for your tourism adventures and investments in Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe is a land of opportunities, come and experience the breathtaking beauty of the country, and sample our unique culinary delicacies, while enjoying the hospitality of our people of Zimbabwe.
“Our arms remain outstretched to welcome capital, technology, expertise, innovation, skills and access to international markets,” he said.
Under his administration, President Mnangagwa said investor profitability and national development were complementary and compatible objectives.
“Our philosophy is that sustainable investment must create value not only for investors but for our people at the community level as well as the economy.
“Zimbabwe holds dear to the value of mutual respect, non-interference in our internal affairs coupled with inalienable right to chart our own development course in line with our unique realities and priorities.
“We seek win-win partnerships and investments, not horse and rider relations,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa invited the investors to take a fresh, informed and factual look at Zimbabwe based on current realties.
“We stand ready to welcome your investments and partnerships in Zimbabwe, for shared prosperity and global impact.
“Our country offers a youthful, highly literate, dynamic and adaptable workforce as well as natural resources and a strategic regional location.
“Above all, Zimbabwe under my leadership, is open for engagement and committed to facilitating and supporting productive investment,” said the President.
Concluding his address, which was well received by investors, President Mnangagwa said the message to potential investors was clear: “Zimbabwe is open for business.”
“We stand ready to facilitate your investments and nurture long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Let us create, build, innovate, produce, and prosper together,” he said.
The President was accompanied to the forum by Cabinet ministers and other senior Government officials who engaged with investors.
