Online Reporter
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Senior Business Reporter
THE latest Business Tendency Survey (BTS) conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) for the fourth quarter of 2024 has revealed an optimistic outlook for the country’s economy, with improvements noted in several key business confidence indicators.
The BTS is a quarterly assessment aimed at gauging the sentiments and expectations of business managers regarding various aspects of the economy, such as production, employment, investment and demand.
It serves as a critical tool for policymakers, economists and investors to monitor economic trends and make informed decisions.
According to Zimstat, the survey showed that “about 43 percent of the respondents expected an improvement in the general business situation over the next quarter”.
This demonstrates growing confidence among business operators, particularly in the manufacturing and retail sectors, which have been pivotal in driving economic growth.
Furthermore, Zimstat highlighted that “33 percent of respondents reported increased sales in the current quarter compared to the previous quarter”.
This positive performance was largely attributed to favourable demand conditions and enhanced marketing strategies by businesses.
Additionally, the survey noted that “the overall employment expectations index was positive, with 45 percent of respondents anticipating an increase in employment in the next quarter”.
This projection aligns with the Government’s broader objectives of stimulating job creation and improving livelihoods.
Speaking on the survey’s findings, economist Mr Tinevimbo Shava said: “The positive sentiment expressed by businesses is a sign of resilience and adaptation amid various economic challenges. It also reflects confidence in ongoing economic reforms.”
Another economist, Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi, echoed similar sentiments, stating: “The improvements in sales and employment expectations are encouraging. It suggests that businesses are beginning to see tangible results from their strategic efforts to optimise operations.”
Zimstat further reported that “investment intentions remained positive, with 52 percent of respondents indicating plans to expand their businesses”.
Such intentions are crucial for long-term economic growth and stability, particularly as Zimbabwe seeks to attract more domestic and foreign investments.
The BTS also revealed that “35 percent of respondents reported increased production during the survey period”.
This up-tick in production is expected to bolster the country’s manufacturing sector, which has been recovering steadily following supply chain disruptions caused by global economic turbulence.
Analysts believe the positive indicators captured by the survey can be further strengthened through continued policy consistency and improved access to finance.
“If the Government maintains its reform agenda and addresses bottlenecks such as energy supply, we are likely to see sustained growth,” noted Mr Shava.
As the country navigates 2025, the optimistic outlook reflected in the Business Tendency Survey provides a promising foundation for economic growth. The findings will be instrumental for stakeholders across the economy as they plan for the future with greater confidence.
