ZIDA Invest Guide
Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency — investment pathways for diaspora & foreign investors
Investment Pathways
ZIDA offers three routes for investing in Zimbabwe. Foreign investors can own up to 100% of their business through the General Investment License.
General Investment License
Establish a private business with up to 100% foreign ownership. The standard route for most foreign investors.
Public-Private Partnership
Invest in partnership with Government, local authorities, or SOEs to deliver infrastructure and public service projects.
Special Economic Zone
Establish operations in designated SEZs with fiscal incentives including tax holidays and duty-free imports.
Key Sectors
Agriculture
15% • 60% of population • 30%
Agriculture
15% • 60% of population • 30%
Zimbabwe's agricultural sector contributes 15% to GDP, employs 60% of the population, and generates 30% of export earnings. The sector has grown at a 94.8% CAGR since 2019, from US$5B to US$7.2B in 2023.
Key Statistics:
Investment Opportunities:
- Dairy Farming and Dairy Value Chain
- Horticulture
- Floriculture
- Coffee
- Sugar
- Soyabean
- Leather
- Cotton
- Cereal Milling
Mining
70% • 80% • 12-13.5%
Mining
70% • 80% • 12-13.5%
Zimbabwe is among the top 10 mineral producing countries in Africa. Mining contributes 70% of FDI, 80% of exports, 19% of government revenues, and 13.5% of national income. The government targets US$12B in mining output.
Key Statistics:
Investment Opportunities:
- Gold exploration and production
- Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
- Lithium mining and processing
- Chrome and steel production
- Coal mining (thermal and metallurgical)
- Diamond production
- Mineral processing and value addition
- Mining equipment dealerships
Tourism
2,579,974 • US$3B+ • 50% increase in arrivals
Tourism
2,579,974 • US$3B+ • 50% increase in arrivals
Zimbabwe offers world-class attractions including Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, Great Zimbabwe, and the Eastern Highlands. The sector is recognized as a key pillar alongside agriculture, mining, and manufacturing in NDS1 and Vision 2030.
Key Statistics:
Investment Opportunities:
- Integrated Resorts
- Golf Estates and Casinos
- Hotels and Lodges
- Convention Centres and Exhibition Parks
- Theme Amusement Parks
- Shopping Malls and Restaurants
Energy
2,100MW (26.5% of generation) • Excellent (World Bank Solar Atlas) • 39GW
Energy
2,100MW (26.5% of generation) • Excellent (World Bank Solar Atlas) • 39GW
Zimbabwe has significant renewable energy potential: solar, wind (39GW), hydro (5GW+ along Zambezi), and geothermal (50MW). The government targets 2,100MW of renewable capacity by 2030. Total power demand is estimated at 4,000MW annually.
Key Statistics:
Investment Opportunities:
- Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for solar, wind, hydro
- Investment into existing IPP projects
- Public-Private Partnerships for energy infrastructure
- Energy equipment supply and maintenance
Special Economic Zones
6,000+ hectares • 100% allowed • 100%
Special Economic Zones
6,000+ hectares • 100% allowed • 100%
ZIDA oversees the designation, licensing, and regulation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with over 6,000 hectares designated. SEZs offer fiscal incentives including tax holidays, duty-free imports, and 100% profit repatriation.
Key Statistics:
Investment Opportunities:
- Develop or operate an SEZ
- Establish businesses within designated zones
- BKPO (Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing) operations
Business & Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) SEZ
93.7% • 30,000+ • 15% flat
Business & Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) SEZ
93.7% • 30,000+ • 15% flat
Launched in Q1 2026, the BKPO Framework positions Zimbabwe as a premier outsourcing hub leveraging 93.7% literacy, 30,000+ graduates/year, English-speaking workforce, and strategic timezone bridging Europe and Asia.
Key Statistics:
Investment Opportunities:
- Set up a BKPO SEZ facility
- Operate BPO/KPO services from designated zones
- Provide outsourcing services in finance, HR, IT, customer service
How Radbit Connects You to ZIDA
- Verified by Radbit: Diaspora investors can view verified operational snapshots of Zimbabwean SMEs before committing capital.
- Investment Readiness: Our assessment tools help SMEs achieve the compliance and documentation standards ZIDA requires for foreign investment.
- Cross-border Compliance: Track ZIMRA, NSSA, and PRAZ requirements alongside ZIDA investment licence conditions in one dashboard.
- Direct Integration: Use the ZIDA DIY Investor Licensing Portal to apply for licences while Radbit handles your operational compliance.
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