Wallace Ruzvidzo Zimpapers Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has licensed 3 882 projects since 2022, with a cumulative projected investment value of US$63,63 billion, reflecting sustained investor interest in the country’s economy, the agency’s third-quarter report has revealed.
Of these projects, 858 had been monitored by the end of September, representing approximately 22,1 percent coverage, up from about 20 percent at the end of the second quarter.
Including projects licensed before 2022, the total number of monitored projects stood at 1 208.
According to the report, monitored projects generated 1 945 jobs during the third quarter, with mining accounting for the bulk of employment creation.
“Monitored projects recorded 1 945 jobs during Q3. Mining accounted for 1 616 jobs, or 83,1 percent, while manufacturing contributed 287, or 14,8 percent. Other sectors collectively accounted for 42 jobs,” said Zida.
In terms of geographical distribution, Midlands Province attracted the largest projected investment during the quarter, valued at US$1,4 billion from 30 licences, representing approximately 54 percent of the total.
Harare recorded the highest number of licences, with 81 approvals, accounting for 44,5 percent of the total and carrying a projected investment value of US$360 million.
Mashonaland West followed in terms of projected investment value, attracting US$223 million across 19 licences.
“Midlands, Harare and Mashonaland West collectively accounted for approximately 76,4 percent of the projected investment.
“Their concentration highlights the need to strengthen project preparation and investment promotion in provinces attracting smaller shares of approved investment,” reads the report.
The geographical concentration was also reflected in actual investment inflows, with Midlands and Harare accounting for approximately US$1,25 billion, representing around 64 percent of realised investment from the monitored January 2022 to September 2026 cohort.
Masvingo Province recorded approximately US$398 million, while Mashonaland West attracted US$132 million.
The four provinces collectively accounted for about 91 percent of cumulative investment inflows.
Looking ahead, Zida said its fourth-quarter priorities would centre on translating approved investments and qualified leads into tangible implementation progress.
“Targeted follow-up will address financing requirements, establishment milestones and regulatory constraints, with particular attention to large projects whose projected values materially influence the investment portfolio.
“Monitoring will continue to distinguish capital commitments from verified deployments and assess progress based on project maturity,” said the agency.
Zida said it would also strengthen its Investor Establishment and Facilitation Framework through systematic tracking of investor requirements, referrals and the resolution of outstanding issues.
The agency will further advance its Aftercare Programme through targeted engagements with profiled investors, customised support plans and the development of an Aftercare Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
These interventions are expected to support investor retention, reinvestment and business expansion.
“Renewal compliance will remain a priority. Earlier reminders, investor status verification and coordinated follow-up will help address outstanding renewals and establish whether affected projects remain active or require implementation support.
“Stronger reporting controls will support consistent tracking of renewal outcomes and investor progress,” reads the report.
On investment pipeline development, ZIDA said it would prioritise feasibility assessments, project structuring and financing readiness.
“The Agency will follow up on PPP projects at the fundraising and appraisal stages, advance the procurement of the Beitbridge feasibility study, and support SEZ development according to the stages recorded in the consolidated register,” said ZIDA.
