Zimbabwe is rising from the ashes. After years of decline and political turmoil, the country is once again making headlines for positive reasons. Economic growth is picking up, tourism numbers are climbing, and large infrastructure projects are underway. The real estate and property development sector is gaining momentum at a pace that few expected.
This is a stark contrast to the Zimbabwe of the past. Under Robert Mugabe, the economy deteriorated at an alarming rate, infrastructure collapsed, railway lines were abandoned, roads became unsafe, industry slowed down, agriculture stalled and tourism numbers dropped. The country was seen as unstable, uninvestable and risky.
When Emmerson Mnangagwa took over as president, opinions were divided. Hate him or like him, there is a visible shift. Zimbabwe is in motion. Many argue that the changes are driven by diaspora remittances. While remittances play a powerful role in sustaining families and communities, they alone cannot explain the scale of investment and development currently taking place.
Political toxicity once damaged investor confidence. Corruption, which plagues many African countries, created uncertainty and fear for those looking to invest. Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s most influential billionaires, experienced this firsthand. With major interests in oil, gas, fertiliser, cement and agriculture, Dangote expressed interest in Zimbabwe during Mugabe’s era. The lack of policy transparency and bureaucratic obstacles discouraged him from investing at the time.
Today, that story has changed. Dangote is back in Zimbabwe, and this time he is committing. He has announced plans to invest over USD 1 billion in key sectors. His group is considering an oil pipeline supplying refined products from Nigeria to Zimbabwe. There are also plans for cement plants, fertiliser production, agriculture and other essential industries.
This is more than a business move. It is a signal of confidence in Zimbabwe’s improving investment environment. It also reflects the maturity of the African continent. Africans are beginning to invest in Africa, not out of charity, but because the opportunities are real, profitable and sustainable.
If Dangote Industries begins operations in Zimbabwe, the country will never be the same again.
Zimbabwe’s rebranding is paying off. Tourism is rising and record numbers of visitors are entering the country. More tourists means demand for more hotels, lodges and tourism infrastructure. Zimbabwe is blessed with world-class natural assets, including one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, and countless unexplored gems.
This is the time for Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, to shift from individual remittances to collective empowerment. There is a massive opportunity to create investment communities that crowd fund big projects in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, technology and real estate. The future belongs to those who build, not those who watch.
Zimbabwe is rising. Thank you to true ambassadors like Josey Mahachi, whose determination and relentless advocacy played a crucial role in bringing Dangote back to the negotiating table. If this deal materialises, Zimbabwe could become home to Dangote Industries Limited, and history will remember those who believed in the vision.
Zimbabwe is not just changing.
Zimbabwe is returning to its destiny.
