Govt locks in policy certainty to unlock capital, shield investments
PHILLIMON MHLANGA IN BULAWAYO
Government has set out a firmer policy stance anchored on predictability, fiscal discipline and investor protection, as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to attract long-term capital and stabilise confidence in an increasingly volatile global economic environment, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has said.
Speaking at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo yesterday, Chiwenga said Government is tightening the policy architecture to entrench predictability, rebuild investor trust and unlock both domestic and international capital flows, while sustaining macroeconomic stability.
“We are determined to create an economy that rewards productivity, attracts capital and promotes long-term confidence,” Chiwenga said.
“In that regard, Government remains committed to policy consistency, fiscal discipline, the sanctity of contracts, protection of investment, transparent regulation and continuous improvement in the ease of doing business.”
The remarks come at a time when Harare is seeking to entrench investor confidence following a period of economic volatility, with authorities now emphasising stability, predictability and credible reforms as the foundation for growth.
Chiwenga said these principles are central to unlocking capital flows and sustaining economic recovery, adding that Zimbabwe has already made measurable progress towards macroeconomic stabilisation.
“Inflationary pressures have moderated significantly, while monetary and fiscal reforms continue to strengthen economic fundamentals,” he said.
He added that ongoing reforms are part of broader efforts to establish a stable and reliable domestic currency over time, underpinned by fiscal discipline, market confidence and responsiveness to economic signals.
“Our focus remains predictability, confidence building and sustainable growth,” Chiwenga said.
In a further push to improve the investment climate, Government is accelerating structural reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing efficiency.
These include streamlining licensing systems, digitising public services and strengthening business facilitation mechanisms. Authorities are also prioritising the development of special economic zones as engines of industrial production, export growth and job creation.
“Our objective is to make Zimbabwe one of the most efficient and attractive investment destinations in the region,” Chiwenga said.
Beyond policy reforms, Government is now actively mobilising domestic capital to drive large-scale infrastructure development, particularly in the transport sector, where inefficiencies continue to weigh on competitiveness.
Chiwenga also challenged Zimbabwe’s private sector to take a leading role in rebuilding critical rail and road infrastructure, arguing that local capital must anchor national development efforts.
“This is the time for you, the private sector of Zimbabwe. Take the bull by the horns. Don’t look for investors outside. You are the investors,” he said.
“Let’s build our rail and road infrastructure ourselves. Let’s connect the whole region and the continental African Free Trade Area so that everything passes through Zimbabwe. Yes, you can do it.”
Government has earmarked key railway corridors for rehabilitation and expansion, including the Victoria Falls–Bulawayo, Bulawayo–Dabuka, Dabuka–Rutenga–Beitbridge and Chiredzi–Dabuka lines.
These projects are expected to ease congestion on roads, lower logistics costs and improve the efficiency of bulk cargo transportation, both domestically and across borders.
In addition, authorities are inviting partnerships for strategic regional links such as the Lions Den–Kafue corridor into Zambia, as well as routes connecting to Mozambique, in a bid to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional transit hub.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said while Government has made progress in addressing structural constraints, the private sector must respond with innovation and productivity gains to fully unlock economic potential.
“The geopolitics and the breakdown of the multilateral order takes centre stage, significantly impacting the global economy,Ndlovu said.
“The critical question is whether Zimbabwe and indeed Africa sees itself as a victim, or will use this turbulence to leapfrog and reposition as a global player in the world economy.”
He acknowledged progress in tackling key cost drivers affecting competitiveness, noting that recent policy interventions are beginning to ease operational constraints for businesses.
“These bold steps by Government will only bear optimum benefits if complemented by the business community’s drive to innovation, improved productivity, accelerated adoption of latest technologies and enhanced research and development,” Ndlovu said.
He added that Zimbabwe’s economic blueprint under the National Development Strategy has already delivered key gains, including a more stable macroeconomic environment, improved agricultural output, mining growth and better energy supply stability.
However, he stressed that the transition into the next phase of economic planning will require decisive execution.
“As we begin the implementation of the next phase, we must accelerate the consolidation of the progress we have made so far, with real and decisive action and not just talk,” he said.
Ndlovu emphasised that stronger collaboration between Government and business will be critical in driving industrialisation, boosting exports and achieving inclusive growth.
“The next phase calls us to forge stronger ties between Government and the private sector to transform our nation into an upper middle-income society characterised by inclusive growth, industrial expansion and improved standards of living,” he said.
