Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in New York, USA
ZIMBABWE is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most compelling trade, investment and tourism destinations, President Mnangagwa told American investors at the 2026 Zimbabwe Business Forum yesterday.
He said the country was opening its doors to capital, technology, expertise, innovation, skills and access to international markets, offering a mix of abundant natural resources, productive agricultural land, critical minerals, a skilled workforce, established industry and a strategic location in Southern Africa.
The President assured investors that Zimbabwe’s investment policy was non‑discriminatory, pledging “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.
President Mnangagwa said administrative processes for establishment, regulation, incentives and aftercare services were streamlined 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,” he said.
He added that the Second Republic continued to prioritise macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, productive sector investment and financial deepening.
Zimbabwe recorded 8.3 percent growth in 2025, the fastest in Southern Africa, and is projected to grow at 5 percent this year. Inflation averaged 4.2 percent in the first half of 2026.
“Our reform agenda is yielding the desired results and has to date received commendation from international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank,” he said.
President Mnangagwa highlighted vast opportunities in mining, with lithium, gold, platinum group metals, chrome, nickel, diamonds, coal and rare earth elements among the resources.
“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.
Government policy requires beneficiation at source, creating scope for investors in refining technologies.
On agriculture, he pointed to opportunities in commercial farming, irrigation, horticulture, livestock, seed storage, mechanisation and agro‑processing. He cited Zambezi Fresh, a US‑owned blueberry producer, as an example of successful investment.
President Mnangagwa said energy and infrastructure were central to industrialisation.
“Investment opportunities exist with regards to independent green energy power production along with transmission infrastructure, leveraging on the SADC Power Pool,” he said.
He listed rail rehabilitation, road upgrades, water and sanitation, health facilities, housing and logistics platforms as priority areas.
Tourism was described as another pillar, with Victoria Falls, Hwange and Matopos National Parks, Great Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands offering scope for eco‑tourism, real estate and aviation investment.
“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.
President Mnangagwa stressed that investor profitability and national development were complementary.
“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. We seek win‑win partnerships and investments, not horse and rider relations,” he said.
He urged investors to take a fresh, factual look at Zimbabwe, citing a youthful, literate and adaptable workforce alongside natural resources and strategic location.
“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.”
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials who also engaged with investors.
