Zimbabwe recorded US$2.61 billion in projected investments in the third quarter of 2026, a 64.1 percent increase from the previous quarter, with manufacturing overtaking mining as the leading investment destination.
According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), quarter three report 2026, ZIDA issued 182 investment licences during the period, compared to US$1.59 billion in projected investments recorded in the second quarter, signalling increased investor interest in the country’s productive sectors.
Manufacturing attracted the largest share, with 49 licences valued at US$1.22 billion, while mining secured 78 licences worth US$1.06 billion.
The two sectors accounted for US$2.28 billion, representing 87.6 percent of the total projected investment for the quarter.
The manufacturing sector’s lead in investment value highlights growing interest in domestic production, industrial expansion and value addition, while mining continues to attract significant investment.
Other sectors also recorded projected investments, with energy attracting US$129.52 million from seven licences, followed by services with US$63.63 million from 18 licences.
Tourism and hospitality secured US$46.50 million through seven licences, construction attracted US$34.48 million from 12 licences, while agriculture recorded US$30.40 million from seven licences.
At provincial level, Midlands attracted the largest projected investment, valued at US$1.41 billion from 30 licences, largely driven by manufacturing and mining projects.
Harare recorded the highest number of investment licences at 81, with a combined projected value of US$360.78 million, while Mashonaland West attracted US$223.12 million through 19 licences.
ZIDA, however, noted that the figures represent projected investments associated with approved licences and do not necessarily reflect capital already injected into projects or actual expenditure on the ground.
The latest figures point to the growing importance of manufacturing in Zimbabwe’s investment pipeline, supporting Government’s drive to expand industrial capacity, promote local value addition, create employment and reduce reliance on imported finished products.
The trend also aligns with the country’s broader economic transformation agenda under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises productive-sector growth and industrialisation as key drivers towards achieving Vision 2030.
