Investment framework and opportunities in Zimbabwe

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment: Although Zimbabwe law guarantees the right to private property, in practice the government often does not respect this right. In fact, in recent years the government has seized thousands of farms and private conservation sites without following due process or provide compensation.
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
Acquisition of Holdings: While there is a right for foreign and domestic private entities to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity, foreign ownership of businesses in the diamonds and platinum sectors is limited to 49 percent (or less in certain reserved sectors).
Obligation to Declare: Zimbabwe does not have an online registration process. The Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) is the country's investment promotion body set up to facilitate both foreign direct investment and local investment. The country encourages companies to register with ZIA and the process currently takes 90 days.
Competent Organisation For the Declaration: Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA)
Requests For Specific Authorisations: Anyone running a trade or the business of selling or renting goods or merchandise must be licensed by a competent local authority.
Factories are required to have a license showing compliance with certain health & safety and environmental requirements. Tourism operators must be registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Other areas require a specific license, such as publishing, banks, mining, insurance companies and telecom operators.
For more information, please visit Zimbabwe Investment Authority website.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency: Zimbabwe Investment Centre
Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement: Africa Getaway, Tenders in Africa
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide
Other Useful Resources: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce

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