In this page: FDI in Figures | What to consider if you invest in Zimbabwe | Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment | Investment Opportunities
FDI flows to Zimbabwe are far below the country's potential. According to the UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2023, FDI inflows amounted to USD 342 million in 2022, up by 36.6% on the year but still significantly below the pre-crisis level (USD 745 million in 2018). In the same year, the total stock of FDI reached USD 6.5 billion, around 19.7% of the country’s GDP. FDI is mainly directed towards the mining sector (diamonds, gold, nickel, platinum), infrastructure, the wood industry, health care, water and sanitation, financial services, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. China is the first investor in Zimbabwe. Russia, Iran and India are also important investors in the country. Data from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) show that the country attracted USD 8 million in announced projects in 2023, the majority of which were directed to the mining and energy sectors.
In 2020, the Zimbabwean government established the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) to streamline and facilitate investment, both domestic and foreign, as a single point of contact. Zimbabwe offers incentives such as tax breaks for new investments by foreign and domestic companies, full tax deductibility for capital expenditures on new factories, machinery, and improvements, as well as waiving import taxes and surtaxes on capital equipment. Although progress has been made in reducing regulatory costs, policy inconsistency and weak institutions continue to pose challenges for businesses. Corruption remains widespread, and property rights, especially concerning agricultural land, are inadequately protected, with instances of land expropriation without compensation. While foreign and domestic private entities have the right to establish and own businesses and engage in remunerative activities, foreign ownership in certain sectors such as passenger transport, employment agencies, milling, advertising, dairy processing, and real estate is restricted. Zimbabwe screens FDI through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), collaborating with relevant line ministries to ensure adherence to national laws and regulations. The country ranks 117th among the 132 economies on the Global Innovation Index 2023, 149th out of 180 in the 2023 Corruption Perception Index, and 172nd out of 184 on the latest Index of Economic Freedom.
Foreign Direct Investment | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
FDI Inward Flow (million USD) | 194 | 250 | 342 |
FDI Stock (million USD) | 5,908 | 6,158 | 6,499 |
Number of Greenfield Investments* | 5 | 9 | 15 |
Value of Greenfield Investments (million USD) | 220 | 1,581 | 5,218 |
Source: UNCTAD - Latest available data.
Note: * Greenfield Investments are a form of Foreign Direct Investment where a parent company starts a new venture in a foreign country by constructing new operational facilities from the ground up.
- abundant mineral resources (platinum, gold, diamond, nickel);
- agricultural wealth (maize, tobacco, cotton);
- potential for tourism development;
- membership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC);
- normalisation of relations with the international community.
- economic and financial situation hit by a long period of hyperinflation;
- shortage of cash;
- under-investment in infrastructures (especially energy infrastructure);
- precarious food and health situation: the majority of the population depends on international aid;
- AIDS prevalence rate among the highest in Africa and in the world.
Government involvement is necessary for any new investment in strategic sectors such as energy, public water supply and railways.
The government further reserves certain sectors such as passenger busses, taxis and car hire services, employment agencies, grain milling, bakeries, advertising, dairy processing and estate agencies for Zimbabweans
For more information, please visit Zimbabwe Investment Authority website.
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Latest Update: May 2024