Zimbabwe’s export receipts hit US$10.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, driven by strong gold and platinum sales, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said. Foreign currency reserves rose from US$731 million in June to US$900 million in September, providing one month’s import cover and full backing for the ZiG currency. The RBZ projects economic growth above 6% this year, supported by macroeconomic stability and disciplined monetary management.

Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Holdings posted strong Q3 2025 results, with the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange reaching a record US$1.85 billion market capitalization. Profit before tax jumped 126% due to cost management and no prior-year losses. The main exchange recorded a Z$1.97 billion turnover, up 32%, and its All Share Index rose 6.8%. VFEX added Kavango Resources and expanded products and investor participation, strengthening Zimbabwe’s capital markets.

Gold deliveries rose 37% to 32.98 tonnes in the first nine months of 2025, Fidelity Gold Refinery data showed. Small-scale miners drove production, contributing 24.5 tonnes, nearly 75% of national output. Large-scale miners’ deliveries fell to 8.54 tonnes, with some reportedly channeling gold through small-scale networks to bypass the Reserve Bank’s 30% local currency retention rule. Analysts said Zimbabwe was on track to surpass its 40-tonne annual target.

The crocodile farming industry earned US$36 million in exports in 2025, up from US$32 million over two years, driven by improved skin quality and expanding markets, Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said. The sector produced 80,000 skins annually, with major exports to France, Italy, Japan, and Singapore. Padenga Holdings exported 24,391 premium skins, up 10%, while prices rose 8%. Officials said ethical farming, value addition, and local processing strengthened growth, targeting a US$100 million industry.

Zimbabwean companies won new leads and partnerships at the 2025 Global Expo Botswana, earning the top International Exhibitor Award. Twenty firms showcased products across manufacturing, agriculture, services, and technology. Negotiations include horticultural exports, FMCG supplies, and regional distribution of leather and cosmetics. Companies also explored skills-training contracts to boost productivity. Exhibitors credited ZimTrade and government support for market access and said the expo provided exposure and growth opportunities in Southern Africa.

Forbes named Zimbabwe the top country to visit in 2025, citing its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and attractions including Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, and the Eastern Highlands. The country received 1.6 million international visitors in 2024, generating US$1.2 billion. Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the recognition confirms Zimbabwe as a safe, peaceful destination. Analysts and industry players noted the accolade reflects the sector’s resilience, ongoing marketing efforts, and growing global confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism.