UNDP calls for action on US$535 million in Zimbabwe investment opportunities

UNDP calls for action on US$535 million in Zimbabwe investment opportunities
National forum identifies 98 potential opportunities and sets out practical steps to connect promising businesses and projects with investors

September 16, 2026
Harare, 16 September 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for coordinated action to help promising Zimbabwean businesses and projects secure investment, following the identification of 31 priority opportunities with indicative financing requirements of approximately US$535 million.

The findings were presented at the National Stakeholder Forum on Impact Investment, convened by UNDP Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles on 11 September 2026.

The forum brought together representatives of Government, businesses, banks, pension and insurance institutions, international investors, industry associations and development partners. Participants examined why potentially viable opportunities struggle to secure capital and what practical support could help them move forward.

At the centre of the forum was the Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map, developed by UNDP Zimbabwe and ZIDA with technical support from Cross Boundary Advisory.

“The Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map should not be seen as the launch of another report. It is market intelligence intended to help us move from development priorities to investable solutions.

The findings show that Zimbabwe has a tangible opportunity pipeline and that potential providers of capital exist, but the critical question is how we move from opportunities to bankable transactions. We now need to determine which transactions can move, what is preventing them from moving, what support they require and who needs to act.

UNDP is committed to accompanying Government, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners so that capital can flow into productive sectors, expand businesses, create jobs and strengthen the foundations for inclusive economic transformation. Action begins now,”

– Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative.