The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) has launched an ambitious investment prospectus inviting local and international investors to develop high-value timber, ecotourism, and mixed-use projects across prime forest estates near Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and Harare.
The FCZ’s prospectus signals a bold push to turn Zimbabwe’s forests into sustainable, high-return investment hubs that balance conservation, tourism, and timber value-addition, inviting private-sector participation under internationally recognised environmental, social, and governance and investor-friendly frameworks.
The prospectus details opportunities ranging from conservation-led tourism estates within the Kavango Zambezi (Kaza) Transfrontier Conservation Area and Victoria Falls corridor, to hardwood value-addition projects, and a proposed low-carbon redevelopment of its 32-hectare Orange Grove headquarters under joint-venture and long-term lease structures.
Spanning over 150000 hectares of indigenous forests and strategic land parcels—including properties with lodges, airstrips, and timber-processing facilities—the portfolio positions the commission to unlock recurring revenue while leveraging Zimbabwe’s investment promotion and Special Economic Zone frameworks.
“The Forestry Commission invites investors and strategic partners to participate in a portfolio of high-value, sustainability-driven land, timber and eco-tourism investment opportunities across Zimbabwe,” FCZ said in the new prospectus.
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“Opportunities range from protected indigenous forests with mature hardwood timber and value-addition potential, to premium tourism and mixed-use developments adjacent to Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba, plus a flagship green-campus redevelopment in Harare (Orange Grove Business Park).”
The FCZ said these projects combine natural capital, conservation value, and clear commercial pathways structured to meet international ESG standards, anchored by the globally recognised Kaza TFCA and Victoria Falls conservation areas, offering a durable foundation for premium nature-based tourism and high-return investments.
The portfolio covers 10 strategic assets: Sijarira Forest, Gwaai Forest, Bembesi Forest Conservation Partnership, Chirinda Rainforest in Chipinge, Fuller Forest and Airport Lodges near Victoria Falls, Ubuso Block tourism site, Orange Grove Business Park in Harare, Foresthill hardwood value-addition project, and Mvutu Forest.
At approximately 66000 hectares, Gwaai Forest is the largest and flagship asset, followed by Bembesi Forest (26000 ha) and Sijarira Forest (20000 ha). Gwaai Forest is a largely untouched indigenous estate with key watershed systems and wildlife populations including elephant, sable, zebra, and wildebeest.
The development plan for Gwaai Forest, located about 83 km from Bulawayo, focuses on four priority areas: boundary protection and community engagement, selective sustainable timber harvesting, safari and tourism corridors, and environmental services. Planned infrastructure includes graded access roads, secure boundary systems, ranger stations, and selective visitor facilities to support phased development.