Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) issued 182 new investment licences with a combined projected investment of US$2,61 billion in the third quarter of this year, representing a 64,1 percent increase compared to the second quarter.
ZIDA chief executive officer Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo said this in the agency’s third quarter report, noting continued investment interest in Zimbabwe’s productive sectors alongside progress in project preparation and investor establishment support.
“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,” he said.
“As the agency moves towards the final quarter of the year, our priority remains to translate this interest into operational projects that contribute to industrialisation, employment, exports and sustainable economic growth.”
Mr Chinamo said despite a slight decline in the number of licences issued compared to the second quarter, projected value surged. Manufacturing and mining accounted for 87,6 percent of projected investment, with manufacturing becoming the leading sector by approved investment value.
“The agency issued 182 new investment licences with a combined projected investment value of US$2,61 billion. This represents a 64,1 percent increase in projected value compared with the second quarter, despite a slight decline in the number of licences issued,” he said.
“Manufacturing and mining accounted for 87,6 percent of projected investment, with manufacturing becoming the leading sector by approved investment value. The Midlands attracted the largest provincial share of projected investment, while Harare continued to lead in the number of licensed projects.”
On investment promotion, Mr Chinamo said targeted promotion generated 44 qualified leads from 259 investor engagements and five reported commitments valued at US$295,49 million.
The agency also prepared five project teasers and summaries across energy, mining, agriculture and agro-processing.
“These opportunities broaden the pipeline available for investor engagement and reinforce the importance of preparing projects that can progress towards financing and implementation,” he said.
The Special Economic Zones programme continued to support industrial development and diversification.
Three commitments with an indicative value of US$13,5 million were recorded in existing zones, bringing the year-to-date total to US$470,5 million.
“The introduction of a consolidated SEZ development register strengthened visibility over project readiness, infrastructure development and operationalisation, providing a clearer basis for targeting support to zones at different stages of development,” said Mr Chinamo.
Investment monitoring recorded cumulative verified inflows of US$1,95 billion from monitored projects licensed between January 2022 and September 2026.
Monitoring coverage of this licensing cohort increased to approximately 22 percent, while monitored projects recorded 1 945 jobs during the quarter.
“The results also demonstrate that capital mobilisation and project maturity remain central to investment realisation. More recently licensed projects generally require further time and support to secure financing and establish operations,” he said.
Mr Chinamo said the August rollout of the Investor Establishment and Facilitation Framework strengthened ZIDA’s approach to post-licensing support.
“Newly licensed 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,” he said.
International cooperation also advanced during the quarter through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Invest Hong Kong and technical support to Zimbabwe’s economic cooperation engagements with the United Arab Emirates and China.
“These platforms provide opportunities to strengthen investment information exchange and improve the conditions for cross-border business engagement,” he said. Looking ahead, Mr Chinamo said 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,” he said.
“I extend my appreciation to the Government, investors, development partners, stakeholders and the ZIDA team for their continued support. Our collective effort remains directed towards ensuring that investment delivers lasting economic value for Zimbabwe.”
