Zimbabwe has intensified efforts to join the BRICS bloc as part of a strategy to diversify economic partnerships and access alternative development financing. Government says membership could strengthen trade ties, attract investment, and reduce reliance on Western-dominated financial systems. Analysts argue BRICS entry may improve access to infrastructure funding, technology transfer and emerging markets, supporting growth amid global economic realignments.

Zimbabwe’s tax authority intensified enforcement against transfer pricing abuse and fund externalization, deploying artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to identify high-risk companies. Zimra said the systems enabled large-scale detection across sectors including mining, manufacturing, and telecoms, triggering forensic audits, reassessments, and penalties. Officials estimated illicit flows cost over US$1.5 billion annually and said tougher enforcement supported revenue mobilization, foreign-currency stability, and fiscal sustainability.

Zimbabwe’s government said it was reviewing and cutting regulatory and municipal levies affecting the telecommunications sector. This followed concerns from operators over high cost drivers for data and voice services. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said reduced fees would lower operating costs and support more competitive tariffs once new regulations were gazetted. The measures formed part of a broader digital transformation strategy to improve affordability, expand connectivity, and support sector sustainability.

Chinese investment in Zimbabwe is rising. About 500 Chinese investors registered in 2025 and are planning nearly US$2.5 billion in investments, much of it in manufacturing. Officials say this reflects confidence in Zimbabwe’s “open for business” policy and supports Vision 2030 goals. Projects such as the Dinson Iron and Steel Company are expected to strengthen industrial capacity, create jobs, boost exports, and contribute to infrastructure and community development.

Zimbabwe’s improving macroeconomic stability, driven by the gold-backed ZiG currency, cooling inflation, and a stable exchange rate, has sparked growing interest from the diaspora. Business leaders highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, finance, and energy. They urged Zimbabweans abroad to move beyond remittances toward capital investment. Economic gains in 2025 included rising foreign reserves, a current account surplus, and record gold receipts. These factors reinforced confidence in the nation’s investment climate.

Zimbabwe’s export earnings rose 27% to US$8.57 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. Sharply reducing the trade deficit and signalling progress toward an export-led economy, ZimTrade said. Growth was driven by minerals, agriculture and rising value-added exports, alongside expanding services trade. Officials credit targeted trade promotion, economic diplomacy and market diversification with strengthening competitiveness and aligning performance with Vision 2030 goals.