Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has said Zimbabwe has a ready pipeline of investable projects worth over half a billion dollars, but needs urgent action to turn the opportunities into bankable transactions.
The UNDP also called for coordinated support for the country’s businesses after the Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map identified 31 priority opportunities requiring approximately US$535 million in financing.
In a statement on Wednesday, the organisation said the findings were presented at the National Stakeholder Forum on Impact Investment, convened by UNDP Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency in Harare last week.
“The forum brought together Government, businesses, banks, pension and insurance institutions, international investors and development partners to interrogate why viable projects struggle to secure capital,” reads part of the statement.
“At the centre of the discussions was the Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map, developed by UNDP and ZIDA with technical support from CrossBoundary Advisory.”
According to the map, 98 potential opportunities were identified with total indicative requirements of US$923 million.
The 31 priority deals account for US$535 million, with an average ticket size of US$9,4 million.
It also said at least 15 opportunities could advance within six months, subject to preparation and investor interest.
“More than 85 potential capital providers were also mapped, including development finance institutions, impact investors, debt and private-equity funds and domestic banks,” said UNDP Zimbabwe.
“The opportunities are in agriculture, renewable energy, financial services, manufacturing, real estate and related infrastructure, with potential to connect smallholder farmers to formal markets, expand energy access, improve SME financing, strengthen local manufacturing and address the housing deficit.”
UNDP said inclusion in the map does not mean projects are investment-ready, as firms still need to demonstrate sound financials, credible management and measurable development impact.
The organisation added that to bridge the gap, stakeholders proposed an investment-facilitation platform to prepare and match opportunities with investors.
They also recommended support for businesses to become investor-ready, development of longer-term bank products, guarantees for SMEs, a shared pipeline for pension funds and insurers, and more predictable foreign-exchange and repatriation arrangements.
“The next phase will focus on practical project preparation and investor engagement, with findings set to inform its discussions with international investors at the United Nations General Assembly,” said the organisation.
UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said the map is not just another report.
“The Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map should not be seen as the launch of another report,” he said.
“It is market intelligence intended to help us move from development priorities to investable solutions.
“The findings show that Zimbabwe has a tangible opportunity pipeline and that potential providers of capital exist, but the critical question is how we move from opportunities to bankable transactions.”
