Zimbabwe's manufacturing attracts over US$1.4bn in 2025

Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector is emerging as the leading engine of economic growth, surpassing mining and agriculture, after attracting over US$1.4 billion in new investments for expansions in 2025 alone.

The sector now accounts for 15.3 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), according to the 2025 Mid-Term Budget Statement, outpacing mining (14.5%), wholesale and retail trade (11.9%), financial services (10.8%), and agriculture (9.3%).

Over the last few years, Zimbabwe's economic growth has been supported by agriculture, mining, and tourism, alongside a robust services sector and construction projects. However, the manufacturing sector has recently taken the lead, driven by investment in steel, cement, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and other industrial activities.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the surge in industrial activity demonstrates renewed investor confidence in Zimbabwe's economic reforms and industrialisation agenda.

“These investments are driving structural transformation, import substitution, and job creation as the nation accelerates towards Vision 2030,” Minister Ncube said at the ZANU-PF Annual People's Conference in Mutare.

He added, “We are witnessing unprecedented expansion across multiple value chains. This growth reflects the resilience of Zimbabwean industry and the positive impact of policies implemented under the Second Republic.”

The wave of new investment is expected to further strengthen manufacturing's role in the economy, generate employment opportunities, and accelerate the country's structural transformation while reducing reliance on imports.