Zimbabwe accelerated efforts to eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining while formalizing the sector for sustainability. The Ministry of Mines, supported by planetGOLD Zimbabwe, is helping miners adopt mercury-free technologies, access finance, and comply with regulations. Small-scale miners produce two-thirds of national gold output and now outperform large firms. Total gold deliveries rose 37 percent to 32.98 tonnes in the first nine months of 2025.

The Zimbabwean government opened the electricity retail and distribution sector to private companies, allowing them to sell power directly to consumers and complement ZESA’s coverage. Licensed firms must demonstrate technical and financial capacity and may partner with ZETDC to expand infrastructure in underserved areas. Officials say the reform will attract investment, integrate renewable energy, improve service delivery, and support universal access to electricity by 2030, boosting industrial and residential power supply.

The Zimbabwean government launched the “Cotton to Clothing” strategy to revive the textile industry, boost cotton production, and create jobs. The plan promotes local processing of cotton and encourages manufacturers to source raw materials domestically under the Local Content Policy. Key private sector players, including David Whitehead and Paramount Garment Works, have committed investments. Officials aim to strengthen competitiveness, support smallholder farmers, and position Zimbabwean textiles for export under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote plans to invest up to $1 billion in Zimbabwe through projects in cement manufacturing, coal mining, and power generation. Bard Santner Markets and business consultant Josephine Mahachi are facilitating the investment to expand Dangote Industries’ Southern African footprint. Dangote will meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa and key ministers to discuss project details, such as mining concessions, tax incentives, and investment security.

South Africa’s Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed Zimbabwe’s decision to lift its ban on maize and grain imports, calling it a key step toward regional food security and economic stability. He said the policy shift would help stabilize prices, attract agribusiness investment, and strengthen cooperation across Southern Africa. Zimbabwe’s announcement, formalized under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, signals a renewed commitment to open trade and sound economic management.

Zimbabwe approved the Global Skills Partnership Scheme to protect citizens working abroad and link their expertise to national development. Skills Audit and Development Secretary Rudo Chitiga said the plan includes bilateral deals ensuring fair conditions for Zimbabwean professionals, initially in medical and technical fields. Employers abroad will help transfer skills by training Zimbabwean workers. The initiative seeks to curb skills loss and strengthen domestic capacity.