Investing in Zimbabwe in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
20
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Zimbabwe earns an investment score of 20/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (30/100) and business climate (22/100), with overall GDP of $24B and per-capita output of $1,400. Growth is running at 2.5% with 1.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 48.0%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Mining (Platinum, Gold, Lithium) (sector score 58/100, currently growing), which represents 10% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 48% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Zimbabwe is with the global economy.
How Zimbabwe's investment score has evolved over time
Mining (Platinum, Gold, Lithium)
10% of GDP, growing
Tourism
4% of GDP, stable
Agriculture (Tobacco)
12% of GDP, declining
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Zimbabwe a safe country to invest in?
Zimbabwe carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 20/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 18/100, political stability 12/100, business climate 22/100, financial strength 18/100, growth potential 30/100.
What is Zimbabwe's sovereign credit rating?
Zimbabwe holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Zimbabwe?
The top investment sectors in Zimbabwe are Mining (Platinum, Gold, Lithium), Tourism, Agriculture (Tobacco). Mining (Platinum, Gold, Lithium) leads with a sector score of 58/100 and represents 10% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Zimbabwe's GDP growth rate?
Zimbabwe's most recent GDP growth was 2.5%, with total GDP of $24B and GDP per capita of $1,400. Inflation is running at 48.0% and the current account balance is -2.0% of GDP.
How does Zimbabwe score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Zimbabwe scores: political stability -1.0, rule of law -1.5, corruption control -1.2, and regulatory quality -1.5.
Can foreigners invest in Zimbabwe?
Most industries in Zimbabwe are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Zimbabwe?
Foreign Direct Investment in Zimbabwe runs at 1.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 48%. These figures show how integrated Zimbabwe is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe's government debt stands at 95% of GDP. This is within range for advanced economies but worth monitoring.