THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) has reported a 663,1% increase to US$4,74 billion in the investment value of deals signed during the first quarter, owing to faster digital processing and increased investor confidence in the country.
The increase is from US$622,18 million recorded in the same period last year.
Zida has invested heavily in its DIY Licensing Portal, which allows investors to apply for investment licences effortlessly through a user-friendly interface, allowing the applicant to manage their investments from anywhere and at any given time.
In its first quarter report for 2025, the agency said it signed 207 new licences during the period under review, compared to a prior year comparative of 143.
“The agency issued 207 new investment licences, with a total projected investment value of US$4,74 billion, compared to 143 licences with a total projected investment of US$622,18 million in Q1 2024, marking an impressive increase of 663,1%,” Zida said.
“This notable rise has been attributed to the faster digital process and continued investor interest in opportunities in the country.”
Zida said the agency had continued with its digitalisation drive in its licensing process, issuing out digital investment licences at the end of March, which marked the full transition to the online licence application, processing and issuance process.
“The agency remains committed to enhancing user experience and operational excellence, ensuring effective response to the growing demand for its services while improving service delivery across the board,” Zida said.
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Harare Province continued to be the leading province, with 78 licences issued, as the province has well-developed ecosystems with manufacturing, construction, real estate and service sectors being the attraction for most investors.
“Regarding projected investment value, Matabeleland North province led all provinces, with US$2,61 billion representing 54,95% of the total,” Zida said.
“This was driven by one project, which plans to establish a 600MW (megawatts) coal-powered thermal power plant in Binga at an estimated cost of US$2 billion. Mashonaland West followed with US$928,04 million, representing 19,54% of all project investments.”
According to the report, the energy sector had the highest projected investment value of US$2,72 billion, accounting for approximately 57,39% of the total projected investment value for the period.
“This was followed by the mining sector, with a projected investment value of US$906,8 million, representing around 19% of total projections,” Zida said.
“While the number of licences renewed in the first quarter was significantly higher than in the prior year comparative, the proportion of licences renewed on time relative to those due for renewal declined by two percentage points, from 16,7% in Q1 2024 to 14,6% in Q1 2025.”
This suggests, however, that despite increased activity, timely renewals remain an area requiring attention.
“The successful launch of Zida’s digital investment licence issuance system at the end of March marked a key milestone, enabling an end-to-end online process for licence application, processing and issuance,” Zida’s chief executive officer Tafadzwa Chinamo said.
