The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency on Thursday hosted its Annual Investor Appreciation Cocktail in Harare, bringing together investors, government officials, private-sector leaders, and international development partners for an evening dedicated to reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment climate. 

The event, held two days before its fifth anniversary, highlighted the Agency’s achievements since its formation and set out a forward-looking agenda anchored on competitiveness, transparency, and deeper collaboration.

ZIDA Chief Executive Officer Tafadzwa Chinamo told guests that the Agency’s five-year journey had been defined by system-building, improved investor confidence, and greater international visibility. 

He noted that Zimbabwe recorded strong performance in the third quarter of 2025, with projected investment commitments reaching US$3.26 billion. Financial services dominated with US$2.15 billion, followed by energy at US$543 million, driven largely by interest in renewable power and infrastructure. 

Mining contributed US$379 million, while manufacturing registered US$120 million, mainly from retooling and value-addition initiatives. Harare Province led geographically with US$2.43 billion, with significant flows also recorded in Matabeleland North and South.

Chinamo said ZIDA’s mandate remained firmly focused on promoting, facilitating, and accelerating investment through a seamless and investor-centred approach. 

Over the past five years, the Agency has strengthened the One-Stop Investment Services Centre and streamlined processes across major sectors including energy, mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure.

 He emphasised that ZIDA sees investors as partners rather than transactions, which has guided reforms to licensing turnaround times, aftercare services, and sector-driven promotion strategies.

Looking ahead, Chinamo outlined ZIDA’s Five-Point Plan, which prioritises strengthening the investment pipeline, building predictable policy environments, enhancing national competitiveness, improving service efficiency, and reinforcing internal systems to sustain operational excellence. 

He acknowledged government ministries, private-sector actors, and international institutions whose collaboration continues to support ZIDA’s work.

During the event, development partners received special recognition for their contributions to strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment landscape. 

ZIDA highlighted ongoing partnerships with UNCTAD, IFC, the World Bank, Afreximbank, AfDB, WFP, UNDP, and the OECD. Through UNCTAD, Zimbabwe launched the e-Regulations Portal, improving procedural transparency for investors. 

Collaboration with the IFC and the World Bank continues to drive technical support for reforming Special Economic Zones and building institutional capacity for investor facilitation and retention. Chinamo said these partnerships have contributed to a stronger SEZ framework, enhanced investor services, and a growing pipeline of investments, particularly in renewable energy and agribusiness.

One of the evening’s key highlights came from Bronzepels Investments, a manufacturing company that gave a detailed testimonial about its market entry and operational success in Zimbabwe. Established in 2021, the company has invested US$9.3 million in a full LPG cylinder production line in Mt Hampden, producing cylinders ranging from 3kg to 48kg. 

Its plant, which sits on 6,000 square metres, can produce three million cylinders annually and is operating on a single shift with potential to triple capacity. The company said its cylinders have passed Standards Association of Zimbabwe tests and gained SAZ, SADC, and COMESA certification, with ISO certification pending. 

Bronzepels credited ZIDA for guiding them through regulatory processes, coordinating with agencies such as Zimra, Immigration, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and ensuring an efficient, transparent setup phase that enabled them to focus on expanding production and job creation.

“From the moment we engaged with ZIDA, our concerns disappeared,” Bronzepels said in their testimonial. “What could have been a complex and time-consuming process became efficient, transparent, and remarkably smooth.” 

The company now employs more than 80 people and plans to export up to 97 percent of its production to reduce Zimbabwe’s import bill and boost foreign currency earnings.

ZIDA’s legal and governance perspective was reinforced by Theresa Muchinguri, who reminded investors that sustainable growth relies on systems that are predictable and transparent. 

She said regulatory streamlining, investor protection, and institutional collaboration are central to the Agency’s work, noting that investment growth “is not the task of one institution alone, but a shared journey built on partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement.” 

Muchinguri reaffirmed ZIDA’s commitment to supporting investors through enhanced facilitation, robust compliance systems, and alignment with global best practices.

As the evening closed, ZIDA expressed gratitude to all investors, partners, and stakeholders whose continued engagement is shaping Zimbabwe’s investment trajectory. 

The Agency said its next chapter will be defined by resilience, innovation, and strengthened partnership with both local and international investors.