Harare, 16 September 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for coordinated action to help promising Zimbabwean businesses and projects secure investment, following the identification of 31 priority opportunities with indicative financing requirements of approximately US$535 million.

The findings were presented at the National Stakeholder Forum on Impact Investment, convened by UNDP Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles on 11 September 2026.

The forum brought together representatives of Government, businesses, banks, pension and insurance institutions, international investors, industry associations and development partners. Participants examined why potentially viable opportunities struggle to secure capital and what practical support could help them move forward.

At the centre of the forum was the Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map, developed by UNDP Zimbabwe and ZIDA with technical support from Cross Boundary Advisory.

“The Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map should not be seen as the launch of another report. It is market intelligence intended to help us move from development priorities to investable solutions.

The findings show that Zimbabwe has a tangible opportunity pipeline and that potential providers of capital exist, but the critical question is how we move from opportunities to bankable transactions. We now need to determine which transactions can move, what is preventing them from moving, what support they require and who needs to act.

UNDP is committed to accompanying Government, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners so that capital can flow into productive sectors, expand businesses, create jobs and strengthen the foundations for inclusive economic transformation. Action begins now,”– Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative.

What the Map found

·       98 potential investment opportunities were identified, with total indicative financing requirements of approximately US$923 million.

·       31 priority opportunities represent approximately US$535 million in potential investment requirements.

·       The average financing requirement across the full opportunity set is approximately US$9.4 million.

·       15 opportunities could potentially advance within six months, subject to project preparation, due diligence and investor interest.

·       More than 85 potential capital providers were mapped, including development finance institutions, impact investors, debt funds, private-equity funds and domestic financial institutions.

The Map focuses on opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, financial services, manufacturing and real estate, with related infrastructure opportunities also identified.

These investments could connect smallholder farmers to formal markets, expand energy access, improve financing for SMEs, strengthen local manufacturing and contribute to addressing Zimbabwe’s housing deficit.

Inclusion in the Map does not mean that an opportunity is already ready for investment. Individual businesses and projects will still need to demonstrate sound financial performance, credible management, appropriate financing structures and measurable development impact.

What needs to happen next

The proposed roadmap identifies several practical priorities:

·       Establish an investment-facilitation platform to prepare opportunities, match them with suitable investors and support potential transactions;

·       Help businesses improve their financial information, investment proposals and readiness for due diligence;

·       Support banks to develop longer-term and more flexible financing products;

·       Explore guarantees and other risk-sharing mechanisms for SMEs and underserved sectors;

·       Bring pension funds and insurers together around a shared pipeline of vetted opportunities; and

·       Improve the clarity and predictability of foreign-exchange and investment-repatriation arrangements.

Moving from mapping to investment

UNDP and its partners will use the forum’s feedback to refine the recommendations and identify a limited number of opportunities for focused follow-up.

The next phase will concentrate on practical project preparation, investor engagement and financing partnerships. The findings will also inform UNDP’s discussions with international investors and development finance institutions during the United Nations General Assembly.

The objective is straightforward: move selected opportunities from the Map towards credible, investable transactions—and demonstrate what is possible for the wider Zimbabwean market.

Notes to editors

The financing requirements presented in the Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map are indicative. Inclusion or prioritization of an opportunity does not constitute commercial due diligence, confirmation of investment readiness, endorsement by UNDP or ZIDA, or a commitment by any institution to provide financing.

The Map provides market intelligence intended to support further project preparation, investment facilitation, investor engagement and policy dialogue.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

In Zimbabwe, UNDP works with Government, the private sector, civil society, development partners and communities to advance inclusive economic transformation, democratic governance, climate resilience and sustainable development.

Media contact

James Neuhaus
Head of Communications and Partnerships
UNDP Zimbabwe
james.neuhaus@undp.org

Photograph caption

Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative, addresses the National Stakeholder Forum on Impact Investment at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles on 11 September 2026. Photo: UNDP Zimbabwe.