There is “strong potential” for an Australia–Zimbabwe mining synergy, especially when considering Zimbabwe’s vast reserves in lithium, gold, platinum-group metals (PGMs) and rare earth elements.
These minerals present significant opportunities for Australian investors, says investment agency Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) CEO Tafadzwa Chinamo.
Despite global uncertainty, Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to perform well, contributing over $6.5-billion in export earnings in 2024 and attracting new investments in lithium, gold and PGM projects.
“This resilience reflects the country’s resource potential . . . government’s continued prioritising of mining as a cornerstone of economic recovery and growth,” Chinamo adds.
He acknowledges that some challenges remain in terms of perceptions regarding regulatory consistency, past policy shifts and legacy concerns about Zimbabwe’s indigenisation policy, although recent legal and policy reforms have addressed many of these issues.
ZIDA, adds Chinamo, has been “instrumental” in creating a more transparent, predictable investment environment which is key to ensuring that investor confidence is steadily restored and maintained.
While ZIDA does not directly offer incentives, it plays a critical role in facilitating and coordinating investors’ access to the full range of incentives and guarantees provided by the government of Zimbabwe.
Through its One-Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC), ZIDA works with key ministries and agencies to streamline the investment process and ensure that eligible investors benefit from the available fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, notes Chinamo.
Regarding investment protection, ZIDA facilitates the registration of investments under the ZIDA Act, which offers guarantees against expropriation without compensation, fair and equitable treatment, and access to legal recourse.
Chinamo also notes that Zimbabwe has a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with Australia, which provides Australian investors with additional assurances regarding asset protection, repatriation of profits and dispute resolution mechanisms.
ZIDA’s role is to ensure that these benefits are accessible, that regulatory processes are predictable and timely, and that investors receive post-establishment support through customised aftercare services.
Licensing, Permitting Processes, Matchmaking Platform
The process of obtaining mining licences and permits in Zimbabwe starts with an investor registering its interest and project with ZIDA.
Chinamo adds that this registration is a “critical first step”, as it unlocks access to investment protection guarantees, consequently allowing for project facilitation. 
