Trymore Tagwirei

Zimbabwe’s mining industry continued to anchor national investment inflows in the third quarter of 2025, driving momentum across key sectors of the economy, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has reported.

According to ZIDA’s latest quarterly report, the agency issued 203 new investment licences during the period — up 6.8 percent from the previous quarter and 20.8 percent higher than in the same period last year.

The mining sector dominated approvals, securing 105 licences worth an estimated US$378.9 million, making it the largest contributor to new projects.

ZIDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tafadzwa Chinamo said the figures point to growing investor confidence and underline the sector’s central role in the country’s economic transformation.

“The mining sector continues to demonstrate resilience and competitiveness, underscoring Zimbabwe’s strong resource base and the effectiveness of ongoing policy reforms under NDS1.

“We are now seeing investors reinvesting, expanding operations, and aligning with the country’s industrialisation agenda,” said Chinamo.

One of the key milestones of the quarter was the designation of the Manhize Special Economic Zone for the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) — a project valued at over US$400 million and among the largest steel investments in Southern Africa.

The project is expected to boost domestic steel production, create jobs, and stimulate downstream industries in energy, construction, and transport.

Mining also led in realised capital inflows, contributing US$472 million, or 32 percent of total investment, second only to manufacturing.

The Midlands province topped investment by value at US$607 million, driven largely by mining and steel projects.

ZIDA noted that energy infrastructure remains key to sustaining mining growth. Cabinet recently approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Jindal Energy Zimbabwe to rehabilitate Hwange Units 1–6, a move expected to ensure stable power supply for mining and industrial operations.

Chinamo said ongoing reforms — including digital licensing, investor facilitation, and the rollout of the eRegulations Portal — are positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive and investor-friendly destination.

“We are building a predictable and transparent investment environment that makes it easier to do business in Zimbabwe,” he said.