ZIDA rolls out investor grievance mechanism
ROBIN PHIRI
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has launched a structured Investor Grievance Response Mechanism (IGRM), a landmark initiative aimed at swiftly addressing investor concerns and strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment climate.
The mechanism provides a formal, four-stage process for resolving grievances that may arise from government decisions or shifting policies that negatively impact ongoing investment projects.
“Whether an investor faces adverse regulatory changes, contract breaches, or other investment-related challenges, this mechanism provides a direct and structured avenue for resolution,” ZIDA said in a statement.
Designed to avert the escalation of minor issues into major disputes, the IGRM is a key step in protecting investor interests and ensuring business continuity. It aligns with international best practices in investment retention and expansion, with a strong focus on early-stage intervention.
ZIDA emphasized that the mechanism is simple to use and has been digitized to enhance efficiency.
“We have streamlined the process to ensure that investors can submit grievances online, reducing administrative burdens and enabling real-time tracking,” the agency said.
Under the IGRM framework, investors encountering challenges arising from the actions of any ministry, department, or agency (MDA)—especially those that threaten project viability or investor rights—can file grievances using the ZIDA online submission form.
Once a complaint is submitted, ZIDA will review it, assess its urgency and potential impact, and coordinate with the relevant government bodies to resolve the issue. The investor will then receive formal feedback on the outcome and any corrective actions taken.
ZIDA will also facilitate direct, transparent, and timely communication between investors and MDAs, ensuring that issues are dealt with effectively and efficiently. This is expected to bolster investor confidence and reinforce Zimbabwe’s image as a safe and predictable investment destination.
By offering a clear and responsive platform for dispute resolution, ZIDA aims to build lasting trust between investors and the government.
“The IGRM is not just a problem-solving tool—it is a confidence-building measure that strengthens the partnership between investors and the state,” ZIDA said.
The introduction of the IGRM marks a significant milestone in ZIDA’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe. It complements other recent reforms geared towards making the country more attractive to both domestic and international investors.
“Over the past four years, following the promulgation of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Act [Chapter 14:38], investing in Zimbabwe has become an increasingly promising and rewarding endeavour,” the agency noted.
ZIDA reaffirmed its commitment to creating a stable, transparent, and responsive business environment that not only attracts new investment but also secures and retains existing projects.
