- ZIDA issued 235 new investment licences in the last quarter of 2025, up from a year earlier.
- The total value of proposed projects fell as there were no very large investments like in 2024.
- Actual monitored inflows reached US$1.547 billion, showing continued investor activity.
ZIMBABWE saw a rise in approved investment projects by the end of 2025, even though the total amount of money linked to these projects dropped significantly, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).
ZIDA reported that it issued 235 new investment licences in the last quarter of the year, marking a 17.5% increase compared to the same time in 2024.
The agency attributed this growth to reforms implemented under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which enhanced transparency and coordination among government departments.
ZIDA’s chief executive, Tafadzwa Chinamo, noted that the agency made strides in assisting investors, fostering public-private partnerships, expanding special economic zones, and upgrading digital systems. He mentioned that actual monitored investment inflows reached US$1.547 billion.
However, despite the increase in licences, the value of proposed investments fell to around US$1.18 billion, down from US$4.59 billion the previous year.
ZIDA explained that this decline was due to the absence of large, capital-intensive projects like those seen in 2024. Instead, the new licences primarily catered to medium-sized investments across various sectors.
Mining and manufacturing continued to be among the most appealing sectors throughout the year, with Zimbabwe’s lithium, gold, and other minerals still attracting foreign interest.
Investors from countries like China, India, Russia, and Iran have long been involved in Zimbabwe’s mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. These patterns have been highlighted in various long-term investment evaluations.
New projects are coming up across Harare and other regions, particularly in designated Special Economic Zones. Major industrial initiatives, such as the Manhize steel plant, are anticipated to draw in even more business activity.
In 2025, ZIDA launched the ZIDA Data Lake, a digital platform designed to store and organise data for investors and institutions. Chinamo mentioned that the next step will be to enhance the system’s security and reliability.
ZIDA has stated that its efforts are now in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). This strategy aims to boost Zimbabwe’s image, trade connections, and international relations.
A significant objective is to have the One-Stop Investment Services Centre fully operational by 2030. This centre is intended to streamline the licensing and approval processes for investors.
Analysts often caution that just because licences are issued, it doesn’t guarantee that projects will be completed. Some initiatives encounter delays due to funding issues or gaps in infrastructure.
A recent indication of international interest came from Nigeria’s Dangote Group, which announced plans to invest over US$1 billion in cement and power projects in Zimbabwe.
