Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
ZIMBABWE’S investments in the construction sector continue to surge, amid commitment by stakeholders to collaborate and adhere to quality standards.
The Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) Annual Conference which ended this Friday in Nyanga was characterised by revelations that Zimbabwe’s construction industry has grown over years, with investments worth over US$800 million having been recorded last year as compared to US$400 million in 2020.
“Since 2020, up to the third quarter of 2025, US$3.1 billion was invested towards infrastructural development. US$400 million worth of investments were recorded in 2020, and US$500 million in 2021, US$600 million in 2022, $700 million in 2023, and $800 million in 2024. We need to thank our government. The Zimbabwe Investment Agency 2025 second-quarter report highlights the construction sector as a critical pillar of the country’s investment landscape. Infrastructure development is driving investor confidence and economic transformation. Sometime last week, Aliko Dangote came to Zimbabwe, and this speaks to opportunities for us as contractors,” ZBCA’s president, Dr Tinashe Manzungu said.
The conference was attended by stakeholders from regional countries.
“Just like in Zimbabwe, in Tanzania, construction has become a symbol of inclusion, connectivity, and opportunity. The Tanzania construction sector is expected to grow by approximately 7 percent this year, reaching a market value of 29.6 trillion Tanzanian Shillings, which is about US$11 billion. The growth is attributed to investments in transport, energy and manufacturing infrastructures,” Ambassador of Tanzania to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Susan Kaganda noted.
“There are collaboration opportunities between Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and all neighbouring countries in the SADC region. Zimbabwe and South Africa share economic linkage. The construction sector presents fertile ground for expansion as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities,” Master Builders South Africa’s past president, Mr Sam Ngcongo stated.
“As neighbouring countries, we share a vision for resilient and prosperous SADC. As our leaders are working so that we do away with passports, there is a need to explore more collaboration within the construction industry sector. We want to see more Zimbabwean construction companies collaborating with companies in Botswana,” Ambassador of Botswana to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Sarah Molosiwa echoed.
Government outlined opportunities under the country’s infrastructure development master plan and the country’s target to promote accelerated infrastructural development.
“Today, we have witnessed the launch of a new academy by ZBCA. This is a milestone for the country, and it is a clear sign that the President has created the right environment for the construction industry. We are a province gifted as far as tourism is concerned, and we have various opportunities, especially in the Eastern Highlands and Nyanga area, where there is a need for more hotels. We need to increase room capacity, which is still on the lower side. In Mutare at the Christmas pass, Vumba and Chipinge, we all have stands for hotels,” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza noted.
“The ministry has adopted a 10-10, 70-100 2030 infrastructure acceleration principle. We have ten provinces in Zimbabwe, and we are targeting ten projects per province. The projects must be at 70 percent and above in terms of completion. This will give us 100 major projects that we are targeting to complete by the year 2030. There are key investment opportunities within the infrastructure portfolio. The ministry is converting urban state land into bankable equity and we encourage private players to bring in finances under PPP agreement. There are opportunities in the new city, Mt Hampden which is Harare’s administrative capital covering 19 000 hectares. Airport upgrading, construction of stadia, and vital infrastructural are part of the opportunities. As devolution deepens, the local authorities require partnerships to promote infrastructural development,” Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable said.
Running under the theme “Embracing Innovation for a Resilient Construction Future,” the conference also saw the launch of the sector’s Academy and Magazine to improve skills development as well as sector visibility.
