Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE number of investment licences issued in the second quarter of the year jumped 23,37% to 190, from the comparable period in 2024, due to increased interest from investors, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) has said.
The approved licences were valued at US$2,47 billion. In the prior year, Zida issued 154 new licences valued at US$1,8 billion.
In its second quarter report for 2025, Zida chief executive officer Tafadzwa Chinamo said the increase in investment licences was fuelled by the country’s growing appeal to investors and the agency’s efforts to promote Zimbabwe as a prime investment destination.
“The quarter was defined by strong investor interest, regulatory reforms and the operationalisation of a key investor protection mechanism, all reinforcing confidence in Zimbabwe’s evolving investment climate. In the second quarter of 2025, we issued 190 new investment licences, representing a projected investment value of US$2,47 billion,” he said.
“While the energy sector accounted for the largest share of this value [US$1,8 billion], driven by renewable energy and power infrastructure projects, the mining sector recorded the highest number of new licences, reflecting sustained investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s mineral resource potential.”
In the reviewed period, the agency also recorded a notable rise in licence renewals with 107 renewals processed, a 137% increase from Q1, with a value of US$221,68 million in actualised investments.
“This growth underscores the continued commitment of existing investors to Zimbabwe’s economic development and highlights the impact of the agency’s enhanced monitoring and evaluation framework, which proactively engages investors ahead of renewal deadlines and supports compliance,” Chinamo said.
A total of 250 potential high-value investors were identified and categorised for follow-up across all sectors of the economy during the review period.
Investors were profiled based on their footprint and investment activities in their source markets and across the globe, with a specific focus on their appetite to invest in Africa, according to Zida.
“A total of eighty [80] potential local and foreign investors were engaged over the three months, with local institutions forming the greater component of the engagements,” Zida said.
“From the twenty-five [25] investment-ready projects that are being promoted across the Agency platforms, a total of 14 targeted entities expressed interest in available projects and are all currently being linked to project promoters.
“The two projects receiving the most number of enquiries were in the real estate and manufacturing sectors. Considerable interest was also shown in renewable energy projects, given global focus on the green revolution.”
Chinamo said the agency established a register of transaction advisors to support ministries, departments and agencies in project preparation and development to strengthen the pipeline of bankable investment opportunities.
“This initiative is a strategic step toward improving the quality and structure of investment projects, making them more commercially viable and attractive to both domestic and international long-term capital,” he said.
“In support of ease of doing business reforms, the agency is finalising the first phase of the Investor Single Window e-Regulations Portal, developed in collaboration with the Office of the President and Cabinet and UNCTAD.”
He said this digital platform would integrate and streamline business-related licences and permits, significantly reducing regulatory costs and complexity.
“The portal, which is expected to be launched in the early part of the third quarter, will mark a significant leap in efficiency and service delivery for investors, both local and foreign,” Chinamo said.
“As we move into the second half of 2025, the agency will remain focused on enhancing Zimbabwe’s attractiveness as a competitive, resilient and sustainable investment destination.
“Key priorities include deepening sector prioritisation to guide targeted promotion, expanding outreach in high-potential sectors and alignment with national development objectives.”
He said research would continue to play a critical role in guiding Zida’s strategic interventions, providing the evidence base for informed decision making, investment targeting and responsive policy engagement.
“In parallel, we will continue to strengthen project preparation and bankability, ensuring that Zimbabwe presents a credible pipeline of investment-ready opportunities capable of attracting long-term capital,” Chinamo said.
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