Online Reporter
Michael Tome-Business Reporter
The ZIMBABWE Investment Development Agency recorded a 178,6 percent increase in projected investment value to US$9,97 billion between January and August 2025.
This indicates a significant growth in investor interest in Zimbabwe, as planned new investments for the period under review were nearly three times higher than the US$3,40 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.
Notably, the proposed investment shows the interest Zimbabwe is generating among investors and not actual investments, which may be influenced by several other factors.
According to ZIDA, Zimbabwe’s investment landscape was dominated by two high-performing sectors, with the energy sector taking the lead in terms of projected investment value at US$4,7 billion.
Projected investment in the energy sector is mainly focused on renewable resources such as solar and wind power, which seem to present lucrative opportunities for investors.
The mining sector followed closely, with 275 new licenses issued at a projected investment value of US$2,2 billion.
Zimbabwe is endowed with extensive mineral resources that include highly sought minerals like gold, lithium, platinum and diamonds, making it an attractive destination for mining investments.
Other investment areas that performed well in the period include real estate, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, ICT, and services.
This comes as Zimbabwe is gradually becoming a preferred destination for investments, evidenced by a growing number of mining investors expressing interest in the Southern African country.
Significant interest has also been noticed in the lithium extraction segment, dominated by Chinese investors, whilst the gold mining sector also continues to attract attention, especially from foreign investors.
Between January and August 2025, ZIDA renewed 291 licenses, more than double the 120 licenses processed during the same period last year, which indicates increased investor confidence and a growing interest in Zimbabwe’s economic opportunities among local and foreign investors.
The agency also issued 543 new licenses in 2025, surpassing the 447 new licenses last year, a substantial increase in new investments.
ZIDA attributed growth to systems that were strengthened by the introduction of an improved licensing tracker to monitor turnaround time for processing investor licenses and automating the license renewal process and compliance reporting, as well as developing investor service charters in collaboration with key ministries.
The agency achieved this by implementing a series of measures under the One Stop Investment Services Centre, which marks a substantial step forward in easing business operations.
It also launched an electronic licensing portal, which played a pivotal role in simplifying the investment process and reducing processing times.
The portal enables investors to submit applications, renewals, and progress reports online, making it easier to navigate the investment landscape in Zimbabwe.
These developments demonstrate the country’s potential for economic growth and development as it positions itself as a competitive player in the global investment landscape.
In his remarks during the recently held fourth ZIDA stakeholders engagement forum, ZIDA chief human resources officer Mr Kudakwashe Nyashanu said Zimbabwe was continuously witnessing growth in investment projections due to the ease of doing business and the Zimbabwe is open for business drive spearheaded by the second republic.
“ZIDA issued 543 new licences between January and August 2025, from 447 last year. Our total projected investment value last year was US$3,4 billion, but this year it actually rose to almost US$10 billion of investments that are coming through.
“This obviously does not happen in a single year, but it is based on the investment plans that the investors have submitted, where they lay their five-year plan, which includes capital, equity, and machinery they will bring,” said Mr Nyashanu.
ZIDA board chairman Engineer Michael Tumbare said the Government remained steadfast in building a favourable investment climate, which is critical in shaping a modern, competitive and inclusive economy.
He said investors sought predictability, and authorities should continuously work on dismantling barriers, accelerating reforms, and fostering an innovative environment where opportunity belongs to everyone.
“Investors seek predictability, communities seek inclusion, and citizens seek equality. Let us dismantle barriers, accelerate reforms, and build an innovative environment where opportunity is not the privilege of a few but the inheritance of many,” said Eng Tumbare.
This comes after ZIDA introduced the Investor Grievance Response Mechanism (IGRM) in its endeavour to strengthen investor confidence in the country.
IGRM is designed to provide a formal process for addressing grievances that arise from government ministries or policy changes that have the potential to negatively impact existing investment projects.
Provision of a clear and efficient process for addressing these grievances allows ZIDA to promptly resolve investor concerns, preventing them from escalating into more complex and contentious issues.
According to ZIDA, similar mechanisms have been successfully implemented in other countries, where they have proven effective in retaining investments by resolving disputes at an early stage, thereby promoting a stable and predictable investment environment.
The process begins with submission, where investors can submit grievances online through ZIDA’s Investment Grievance Form.
This online step allows for real-time tracking, ensuring that both investors and ZIDA can monitor progress.
Once submitted, ZIDA reviews and assesses the grievance’s impact and urgency. This step enables ZIDA to prioritise and address the issue effectively.
According to ZIDA, it then coordinates with relevant authorities to resolve the issue, requiring responses within five days.
This prompt engagement ensures that the grievance is addressed promptly.
