Agriculture, construction, energy, mining, biotechnology, health, and tourism represent the most promising market opportunities in Zimbabwe. Additional opportunities exist in consumer goods, services, and franchising. Broadly, the best prospects for U.S. exports lie in capital equipment for the agriculture and mining sectors.
Once known as the breadbasket of southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has struggled to reach its full potential due to a weak investment climate, land tenure challenges, and corruption. However, the government’s farm mechanization drive and efforts to provide credit to farmers on market terms have enabled farmers to purchase American agricultural equipment. Many international firms use contract farming arrangements to export crops such as tobacco, cotton, and horticultural products. Zimbabwe could further boost agricultural production by adopting biotechnology, although the country currently prohibits the use of genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to modernize Zimbabwe’s health care sector. There is a robust market for private health care, while public sector health services require significant upgrades. Opportunities exist for U.S. companies to supply medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, and participate in hospital modernization projects.
Zimbabwe offers potential for infrastructure development in energy, rail, and road networks through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Financing challenges persist, but the government has prioritized solar energy development, which is well-suited to Zimbabwe’s climate.
The government’s efforts to spur mining development create opportunities for equipment manufacturers, investors, and energy suppliers. A draft Mines and Minerals bill, published in June 2025, proposes significant updates Zimbabwe’s mining legal framework. Current and potential investors have raised concerns about the draft legislation’s discretionary ministerial powers, unclear provisions on strategic minerals, and constitutional inconsistencies currently under parliamentary review.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe estimated the country’s internet penetration rate at 81 percent in 2024, with approximately 15 million active mobile subscriptions. Digital payment systems accounted for 96 percent of all formal transactions. Mobile data costs in Zimbabwe are among the highest in southern Africa. Rapid digitalization of Zimbabwe’s economy will require significant investment in 5G infrastructure or alternatives such as satellite technology. Starlink officially launched operations in Zimbabwe in September 2024, offering new opportunities for connectivity.
Zimbabwe’s natural wonders make it an attractive tourism destination. Key attractions include Victoria Falls, national parks, wildlife such as the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros), and archeological sites like Great Zimbabwe. Tourism currently caters to luxury travel, but there is room for growth and to expand the less-developed middle-class segment. U.S. companies can explore opportunities to operate high-yield, low-volume luxury lodges, offer adventure and experiential tourism services, and provide aviation and transport links.
Additionally, a growing number of Zimbabwean companies have expressed interest in selling U.S. products, including pharmaceuticals, battery technology, solar energy solutions, motor oil, and electrical and agricultural equipment.