Zimbabwe’s vast mining, agribusiness, and tourism sectors hold immense potential, yet they remain largely untapped, according to the World Bank. The financial institution is calling on the private sector to capitalize on these opportunities to spur economic growth.
Speaking at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Business and Economic Outlook Symposium for 2025, World Bank senior country economist for Zimbabwe, Victor Steenbergen, emphasized that the country holds a competitive edge in these sectors compared to regional counterparts.
Agriculture and agribusiness sustain nearly 70% of Zimbabwe’s population, contributing 40% of export earnings. Horticulture, in particular, presents high-profit margins and strong value-addition prospects in food and beverage manufacturing.
The mining sector also stands as a pillar of opportunity, with global demand surging for energy transition minerals such as lithium, nickel, and platinum. Zimbabwe boasts Africa’s largest lithium reserves, yet much remains underexploited.
Tourism, another economic driver, is thriving, with Victoria Falls leading the way. Steenbergen suggested that Zimbabwe could replicate this success across other attractions to strengthen the sector further.
Despite these opportunities, regulatory hurdles, macroeconomic instability, and limited access to funding continue to challenge investment. However, the government is actively working to ease business conditions and attract private sector participation.
With Zimbabwe strategically positioned for growth, unlocking these sectors could accelerate its economic transformation.
