The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency has officially launched the ZIDA Value Connect Lounge at the 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, marking a strategic shift toward structured investment facilitation aimed at converting investor engagement into tangible investment outcomes.

The newly unveiled platform moves beyond the traditional exhibition approach, positioning ZIDA as an active dealmaker connecting investors, project promoters and key stakeholders within Zimbabwe’s investment ecosystem.

“Moving beyond the traditional exhibition model, the Value Connect Lounge represents a strategic shift towards structured investment facilitation, positioning ZIDA as an active dealmaker and connector between investors, project promoters, and key stakeholders,” the agency said.

Anchored in ZIDA’s statutory mandate under the ZIDA Act [Chapter 14:38], the Lounge provides a high-level, private and professional environment designed to support the full investment lifecycle — from initial engagement to partnership formation and transaction discussions.

According to ZIDA, the Lounge will operate as an investment matchmaking hub facilitating direct engagement between investors and vetted project promoters, presentations of bankable investment opportunities, curated Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings, as well as real-time negotiation support.

“At its core, the Lounge will function as an investment matchmaking hub,” ZIDA said, adding that investors will access “a curated pipeline of opportunities across priority sectors, including energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure and services.”

A major highlight of the platform is the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) Framework, which ZIDA says positions Zimbabwe as an emerging destination for digital services and global outsourcing.

“The initiative positions Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for digital services and global outsourcing, with strong potential to drive job creation, ICT infrastructure development, service exports and urban economic growth,” the agency noted.

ZIDA’s engagement at ZITF 2026 also includes participation in high-level platforms such as the Innovators Forum and the Diplomats Forum, where the agency is strengthening economic diplomacy and engagement with foreign missions, investors and development partners.

The agency’s Chief Executive Officer is participating in investment discussions focused on opportunities for small and medium enterprises, youth-led businesses and rural economies, reflecting what ZIDA described as a commitment to inclusive economic participation.

ZIDA is also headlining the Zimbabwe–Botswana Business Forum to deepen bilateral investment cooperation, promote cross-border partnerships and advance regional value chain integration.

The agency said the launch comes amid growing regional economic collaboration, underscored by Botswana’s President officially opening ZITF 2026 — a development viewed as reinforcing Zimbabwe’s positioning within Southern Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

“This high-level engagement signals strengthened bilateral and regional economic ties, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s positioning within the Southern African region and AfCFTA framework as a competitive and interconnected investment destination,” ZIDA said.

The Value Connect Lounge is accessible free of charge to registered participants, providing investors with direct access to opportunities and policy insights while strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment promotion efforts.

ZIDA, operating under the Office of the President, remains Zimbabwe’s primary investment promotion and facilitation agency, offering one-stop services ranging from company registration and licensing to investor aftercare and project monitoring aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and employment creation.