Zimbabwe is seeking to use special economic zones to promote industrialisation and attract investment as it hosts the 25th Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). These zones provide regulatory frameworks and financial and non-financial incentives aimed at attracting capital, expanding production, creating jobs, and connecting industrial activities with domestic and regional markets. Existing zones include Sunway City in Harare, the industrial zones in Bulawayo, Fernhill in Mutare, Masuwe near Victoria Falls, and Beitbridge, with activities spanning technology, manufacturing, logistics, agro-processing, tourism, and financial services. The country is also seeking to expand the model through integrated provincial economic zones that link local resources to value chains in the energy, petrochemicals, agriculture, and mining sectors. Incentives available to qualifying investors include tax and customs exemptions, facilitation of foreign ownership and work permits, and one-stop-shop services, supporting the objectives of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
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