Business Reporter
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) is actively engaging the global investment community, with a key conference underway in the United Kingdom aimed at mobilising private capital and forging strategic partnerships.
Organised in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ), the event seeks to showcase Zimbabwe’s progress in creating a competitive and investor-friendly climate, with a focus on sustainable, long-term growth.
According to a ZIDA media release, the conference is “more than just another business event; it is a premier platform for connecting Zimbabwe with the global investment community.”
The event is considered timely as Zimbabwe undergoes significant reforms to position itself as a strategic investment destination. The conference provides “fresh insights into economic reforms, investment opportunities, and sectoral developments,” and serves as a forum for dialogue, fostering partnerships and strengthening networks.
ZIDA’s ultimate goal is to signal to the global market that Zimbabwe is not just open for business but open for “sustainable and strategic partnerships that can drive long-term growth.”
As the anchor of Zimbabwe’s investment ecosystem, ZIDA’s role is to facilitate, promote and protect investment. The Agency operates a One-Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC) to streamline licencing and registration by integrating multiple government agencies. Digitisation through the e-Regulations Platform has further enhanced transparency and efficiency.
In its promotional role, ZIDA actively markets the country as a competitive destination. Investor protection is a key function, safeguarded by the ZIDA Act and the Investor Grievance Response Mechanism, which provides a time-bound dispute resolution process. ZIDA also provides aftercare services, supporting investors beyond the initial licencing stage by advocating on their behalf to ensure retention and reinvestment.
Zimbabwe presents a wide array of opportunities for private capital, particularly in key sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture and manufacturing.
The energy sector is equally attractive, with rising demand and government commitment to diversifying supply through solar, hydro, wind and gas-to-power projects. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy, while manufacturing offers potential for value addition to raw materials. Tourism and real estate are also drawing attention, supported by world-class attractions and growing urban centres.
Zimbabwe has designed a competitive incentive framework to attract investors. Companies in Special Economic Zones, for instance, enjoy tax holidays of up to five years, followed by a reduced corporate tax rate of 15 percent for the subsequent five years. Export-oriented companies benefit from further tax reductions, with rates as low as 15 percent. Investors are also supported by a VAT deferment facility for capital equipment valued at $500 000 or more, providing vital cashflow relief.
According to ZIDA, the investment landscape has been active. The Agency issued 397 investment licences in the second quarter of 2025. The top sectors attracting investment between 2022 and 2025 were mining, manufacturing, construction and energy. The primary source countries for investment during this period were China, India, the EU, the UAE and South Africa. UK-linked licences were mainly in mining, energy, construction and tourism.