Zimbabwe plans special economic zones in every province

Government has unveiled plans to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in every province as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and unlock provincial potential.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the initiative yesterday in Bulawayo while addressing a high-level academia–industry engagement at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

The engagement, held under the theme "Aligning the 2026 Budget with National Development Strategy 2 for Inclusive Growth and Vision 2030", brought together policymakers, captains of industry, academics and students to examine how fiscal policy can be aligned with national development priorities.

Prof Ncube said the push to introduce one SEZ per province forms part of Government's wider economic transformation agenda aimed at leveraging local resources and comparative advantages across the country.

"Government is working on introducing one special economic zone per province in a bid to stimulate economic growth," he said.

He explained that SEZs are designed to drive nationwide industrial development by tapping into resource-rich zones and promoting value addition.

"The idea around special economic zones is meant to stimulate economic growth countrywide, tapping into resources in specific zones," he said.

Prof Ncube cited examples of provinces where Government is already considering sector-focused zones aligned to local strengths.

"For instance, in Bulawayo, Government is thinking of setting up an iron and steel economic zone. In Matabeleland South we are considering — and I must stress considering — developing an agro-processing and horticulture zone around Antelope Dam. In Matabeleland North we have the Masuwe economic zone," he said.

In December, Prof Ncube indicated that a study would be commissioned to support evidence-based policymaking for the resuscitation of Bulawayo's industrial base and the operationalisation of SEZs.

The announcement comes as preparations gather momentum for the proposed Bulawayo Industrial Park, expected to position the city as a hub for industrialisation, attract investment, create jobs and drive wider regional economic transformation.

Industrial parks are designated areas developed for manufacturing and related activities, typically offering subdivided plots supported by essential infrastructure such as roads, transport links and utilities. By clustering operations, such parks reduce logistical costs, improve the ease of doing business and create an enabling environment for enterprise growth.

In Bulawayo, the Umvumila Zone has been identified as a priority starting point.

Bulawayo's industrial sector has experienced significant decline over the years, with many firms closing or relocating to Harare, resulting in substantial job losses. However, Government says reforms under the Second Republic, including ease of doing business measures, have helped some companies recover and increase capacity utilisation.

Prof Ncube said the proposed SEZs are expected to attract domestic and foreign direct investment, boost exports, create employment and drive infrastructure development across host provinces.

Special Economic Zones typically operate under distinct economic regulations designed to attract investors, often offering incentives such as tax breaks, simplified customs procedures and streamlined administrative processes.

By decentralising industrial development and aligning economic activities with provincial strengths, Government expects the initiative to enhance productivity, strengthen value chains and contribute towards achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.