Zimbabwe’s economic outlook for 2025 appears promising, driven by a resilient mining sector and a thriving tourism industry, President Mnangagwa highlighted in his closing remarks at the recent ZANU PF 21st Annual People’s Conference.
He noted that the mining sector is projected to achieve 90 percent capacity utilization in 2025, up from 80 percent in 2024, while tourism has already exceeded its 2025 target of US$5 billion, with growth expected to continue.
The resilience of the mining sector is evident, with capacity utilization reaching 84 percent in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 90 percent in 2025. Despite low commodity prices, the sector achieved overall growth of 7 percent in 2024, contributing 75 percent of exports and 18 percent of GDP. Gold output, particularly from artisanal and small-scale miners, has seen consistent growth, supported by Government incentives aimed at ensuring mutual benefits for all stakeholders.
Tourism has proven to be a major economic driver, already surpassing the 2025 revenue target of US$5 billion. Contributing 12 percent to GDP in 2023, tourism’s success is also attributed to the warm hospitality of communities in popular tourist destinations, who play a key role in welcoming visitors.
In the manufacturing sector, the recently adopted Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan aims to consolidate gains in primary production from mining and agriculture while addressing challenges in manufacturing and commerce. This plan sets the stage for accelerated industrialization, cost reduction, value chain strengthening, SME linkages, and enhanced collaboration between the Government and the private sector.
With these strategic initiatives, Zimbabwe is positioned for sustained economic growth, increased business confidence, and greater economic diversification.
