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UNDP and ZIDA urge Zimbabwe to attract impact investments for sustainable development

At a high-level investment dialogue in Bulawayo, co-convened by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency ZIDA during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, stakeholders called for Zimbabwe to focus on attracting impact investments that align with sustainable development goals. UNDP Resident Representative Ayodele Odusola emphasized that Zimbabwe's progress depends on capital that creates jobs, builds resilience, and drives structural transformation. He highlighted the urgency for targeted, impact-driven investment, citing that 62% of the population is under 25, informal employment exceeds 80%, and rural electricity access is around 37%. Odusola noted the global impact investment market is valued at US$1.57 trillion, with growing interest in Sub-Saharan Africa. ZIDA Chief Investment Promotion Officer Silibaziso Chizwina acknowledged Zimbabwe's appeal to impact investors but pointed out the lack of adequate frameworks to absorb such capital, identifying agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, and infrastructure as key investable sectors. Government representative Tafadzwa Muguti stressed the need for investment to align with national priorities, focusing on industrialization, import reduction, and local production. Bulawayo mayor David Coltart promoted the city as an investment hub, emphasizing the importance of predictability, rule of law, and anti-corruption measures for investor confidence. The dialogue conclude