The Investor’s Blueprint: How to Invest in Zimbabwe (2025 Edition)

The Investor’s Blueprint: How to Invest in Zimbabwe (2025 Edition)

For an international investor, Zimbabwe offers a unique frontier market with immense potential in mining, energy, and agriculture. The government’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra is supported by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), which serves as your primary point of entry.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process from outside the country with our assistance.

1. Where to Start: Your First Contact

The most critical starting point is the ZIDA.

Key Institutional Bodies You Must Register With:

1. ZIDA: To obtain your Investment License.

2. Registrar of Companies: To incorporate your local Zimbabwean company.

3. ZIMRA (Revenue Authority): For tax registration and your Tax Identity Number (TIN).

4. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ): For Exchange Control approval (to ensure you can repatriate profits).

5. NSSA: For social security compliance if you hire local staff.

2. Sectors: Where Can You Invest?

Foreigners can hold 100% ownership in most sectors. However, recent 2025 regulations (SI 215 of 2025) have refined where foreign capital is prioritized versus local participation.

• Open & Prioritized Sectors (100% Foreign Ownership):

  • Mining: Lithium, gold, and nickel (Value-addition/processing is highly encouraged).

  • Energy: Solar farms and hydro-power.

  • Agriculture: High-value horticulture (macadamias, blueberries) and agro-processing.

  • Manufacturing: Export-oriented industries.

• Restricted/Strategic Sectors: * Platinum & Diamonds: Often require a 51/49% joint venture with the government (though this is negotiable for massive projects).

• Reserved Sectors (Local Only): Small-scale retail, bakeries, hair salons, and artisanal mining are generally reserved for Zimbabwean citizens.

3. Incentives for Foreign Investors

To attract “patient capital,” Zimbabwe offers several fiscal sweeteners:

• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Investing in zones like Victoria Falls or Manhize grants you a 5-year Tax Holiday and 0% duty on capital equipment.

• Repatriation Rights: 100% of dividends and capital can be remitted in original currency (subject to tax clearance).

• Duty Suspensions: Duty-free importation of capital goods (machinery) for mining and agriculture.

• VAT Exemptions: For certain capital projects in the energy sector.

4. Compliance Checklist & Timeframes

This table outlines the typical journey for a foreign investor from Day 1 to operation.

5. Critical Compliance Tips

• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate the capacity to fund the project via a bank letter or statement.

• The US$100,000 Rule: While there is no “minimum” to just invest, you generally need a minimum injection of US$100,000 to qualify for a self-sponsored Investor Residence Permit.

• Local Partner: While not always legally required, having a local consultancy or partner can accelerate “ground-level” approvals and market entry.