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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

THE Second Republic has embarked on a bold economic transformation agenda rooted in the belief that Zimbabwe can and will be a beacon of prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience in the region, Chief Secretary to President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya said yesterday.

Driving the agenda’s spirit is the commitment to create an enabling and seamless investment climate that attracts investments and nurtures entrepreneurship.

This is further buttressed by an array of opportunities for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into a region brimming with potential, he added.

Speaking at the launch of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida)’s “Do It Yourself” ( DIY) portal, Dr Rushwaya said the development marks a significant milestone in the country’s economic prosperity and development journey — as well as the country’s initiatives in the Ease of Doing Business.

Zida is the Government’s investment promotion agency, responsible for facilitating domestic and foreign investment in the country.
It offers incentives to investors and undertakes all that makes Zimbabwe a safe investment destination

“Our Government, under the leadership of President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has embarked on a bold economic transformation agenda. This agenda is rooted in the belief that Zimbabwe can and will be a beacon of prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience in the region.

“At its core lies a steadfast commitment to creating an environment conducive to investment, nurturing entrepreneurship, and unleashing the full potential of our private sector — and this digitalisation of Zida is one of the many steps the Government is taking to achieve this,” said Dr Rushwaya.

The portal represents a pivotal shift towards modernisation and efficiency, positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player on the global investment landscape.

In recent years, Zimbabwe has witnessed a steady increase in Foreign Direct Investment and Domestic Direct Investment — a large number of them passing through Zida. The investments span various sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing, highlighting our country’s diverse opportunities. The portal has immense potential to create a faster and much                                                                                    easier route for an investor in any part of the world to access Zimbabwe’s investment opportunities.

Dr Rushwaya said the Government has undertaken decisive steps to streamline regulatory processes, dismantle bureaucratic hurdles, and fortify investor protection mechanisms to achieve this vision.

The aim, he said, is to establish a transparent and predictable regulatory framework that fosters investor confidence and catalyses long-term investment in Zimbabwe.

“Central to our efforts was the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida), a dedicated entity tasked with promoting and facilitating investments in our country. Zida stands as a beacon of support for potential investors, offering a comprehensive suite of services ranging from market research and feasibility studies to facilitating business permits and licenses. With Zida as your partner, navigating Zimbabwe’s investment landscape becomes seamless and rewarding,” said Dr Rushwaya.

He added that Zimbabwe is not just a destination for investment but a canvas upon which citizens can collectively paint a brighter, more prosperous future.

Zida chief executive officer, Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, said the electronic platform launch represents a significant step forward in the country’s digitalisation and economic development journey.

He said through concerted collaboration from all stakeholders, there is a vast opportunity to harness the transformative power of digitilisation to unlock Zimbabwe’s full potential and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

“Zimbabwe recognises this imperative and is steadfast in its resolve to harness technology to drive progress across all sectors of the economy.

“While our focus remains on attracting quality investments to fuel economic growth, we also recognise the pivotal role of digitalisation. The rapid pace of technological advancement and the unprecedented exchange of innovations necessitate our pro-active embrace of digital technologies,” he said.

“The launch of this portal embodies our broader vision for a modern, digitally empowered Zimbabwe. It sends a clear message to the international community that we are open for business, eager to embrace innovation, and committed to creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and investment,” Mr Chinamo said.

The portal launch coincides with Zida’s fourth anniversary as the national Investment Promotion Agency this month.

He said the International Financial Corporation’s US$895 000 technical support was instrumental in creating the portal as that will aid in enhancing capabilities in various areas, including policy reform for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), institutional development, staff training, and website upgrades.