Mishma Chakanyuka, Staff Writer 
THE real estate sector topped projected investment values for the fourth quarter of 2024, with an estimated US$2 billion, representing 43,60 percent of the total projected investment for the period, according to the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA).
Real estate remains a proven avenue for wealth creation, and Zimbabwe’s property market offers diverse opportunities. From residential rentals to commercial developments, strategic investments in this sector can yield significant returns.
ZIDA reported investments across 12 sectors during the quarter, showcasing the breadth of opportunities within the Zimbabwean economy.
“Investors have shown significant commitment to the real estate sector, which accounted for 43.60% of the total projected investment value in the quarter,” said chief executive Tafadzwa Chinamo in the agency’s fourth-quarter report.
“The energy sector followed, contributing 22,76 percent of the total projected value.”
However, the total investment value for the fourth quarter of 2024 was markedly lower at US$4,59 billion, compared to US$11,50 billion in the same period of 2023.
According to Chinamo, the decline was due to a few high-value projects recorded in 2023.
“On a positive note, we observed an increase in the number of licences renewed during the quarter compared to last year,” he added.
“Investor interest in Zimbabwe remains strong, with 200 investment licences issued in the fourth quarter of 2024, surpassing the 149 issued during the same period in 2023.”
The mining sector continued to lead in attracting the highest number of investors, as evidenced by the number of licences issued.
ZIDA also achieved a milestone in its digitalisation efforts during the quarter. Chinamo reported that 98,1 percent of licence applications were initiated and processed through the agency’s “Do It Yourself” Licensing Portal, reducing the average processing time to under five days.
“In the final quarter of 2024, licences issued increased by 19,04 percent compared to the previous quarter,” he said.
“This improvement is largely attributed to the streamlined processes enabled by the online DIY Licensing Portal.”
A significant development during the quarter was the completion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines, which received approval from the PPP committee.
