THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has launched its 2026 Projects Prospectus, showcasing a range of investment-ready initiatives across manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism and infrastructure, in a move which underscores the government’s commitment to making manufacturing a central driver of economic growth.
“Manufacturing is at the heart of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, and these projects are designed to reduce import dependence, boost exports, create jobs, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s integration into regional markets,” a statement by ZIDA reads.
Among the key initiatives is a US$2,426 million concrete sleeper manufacturing plant by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) in Bulawayo, expected to produce 60 000 sleepers annually.
“This facility will strengthen our railway infrastructure while reducing reliance on imported construction materials,” ZIDA stated.
Another is the Orangerose Solar Roof Tile Manufacturing Project, which aims to produce 600 solar tiles per day.
“The US$1 million project is structured with 40% equity and the remainder as loans or grants. Renewable energy manufacturing is a strategic priority for Zimbabwe’s industrial growth,” the prospectus notes, highlighting the country’s push for sustainable energy solutions.
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ZIDA is also seeking US$45 million to establish a foot and mouth disease vaccine plant at the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) in Harare.
The facility will supply both domestic and regional markets, with vaccines priced at US$3 per dose.
“Local production will stabilise prices, strengthen regional disease control, and reduce dependence on imports,” ZIDA explained.
Funding is expected to be 75% debt and 25% equity.
Another major project is the Verify Coal-to-Fertiliser Plant with net-zero emissions in Mkwasine, Masvingo, which will produce 520 000 tonnes of nitrogenous fertilisers annually, along with by-products such as ammonia, oxygen, nitrogen, explosives and sulphur.
Carbon capture, solar energy and CO₂ storage will minimise emissions.
“This project shows that industrial growth and environmental sustainability can progress hand in hand,” ZIDA said.
Other ventures include a SIRDC Integrated Foundry at Manhize Industrial Park in the Midlands province, set to produce high-quality cast and forged products for mining, agriculture, transport, and construction, and the Linkdef Soap Manufacturing Facility, which will produce 64 tonnes of bath and bar soap annually.
“Investors in these projects can take advantage of opportunities within Special Economic Zones, including tax incentives, duty-free equipment imports, and streamlined regulatory processes,” ZIDA said.
The 2026 Projects Prospectus provides a roadmap of Zimbabwe’s investment landscape, highlighting manufacturing as a strategic pillar of economic transformation.
“By packaging commercially viable, feasibility-backed ventures, we aim to attract institutional investors, financiers, and strategic partners to high-impact projects,” ZIDA noted.
Analysts note that with the manufacturing sector contributing about 12% of Zimbabwe’s GDP initiatives like those in the ZIDA prospectus, it could significantly accelerate the country’s industrialisation goals, expand exports and create sustainable employment opportunities.