By: zimbabwe herald

Business Correspondent

Across the rolling hills of Bikita, a new Zimbabwean story is being written. As heavy machinery hums and trucks carry the weight of transformation, our country is moving beyond mere extraction to empowerment, and beyond raw exports to refined value. Endowed with world-class critical mineral reserves, Zimbabwe is boldly redefining its place in the global minerals value chain.

Zimbabwe is on the rise, and at the heart of this resurgence is the Government’s deliberate, future-focused policy shift. The aim is to ensure that the benefits of our mineral wealth are not only realised abroad but also felt at home by our people, communities, and economy. In this regard, the Government’s 2022 decision to restrict the export of unprocessed lithium stands out as a milestone. It was not just a policy action but a declaration of intent: Zimbabwe will not be a simple source of raw materials but a centre for beneficiation, industrialisation, and innovation.

In line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), Zimbabwe has committed to building a modern, diversified, and industrialised economy. Critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and graphite are central to this agenda. With global demand for these minerals soaring due to the energy transition and the growth of electric vehicles, Zimbabwe has moved decisively to harness this opportunity.

The Government’s ban on raw lithium exports in 2022 has already yielded positive results. Several investors have responded to the policy by establishing processing plants within Zimbabwe’s borders. Projects such as the Sandawana Lithium concentrator in Mberengwa, the Arcadia Lithium Project near Goromonzi, and expansions at Bikita Minerals clearly show that beneficiation is no longer just aspirational—it is operational.

These investments have created over 5,000 jobs, increased foreign currency inflows, and contributed to export earnings, with lithium exports rising from US$70 million in 2022 to over US$600 million in 2023. This is the outcome of a consistent policy environment underpinned by the Government’s resolve to promote inclusive economic growth.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening new doors for intra-African trade, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to become a regional hub for processing battery minerals. Through this, the Government is ensuring that critical minerals are not just a tool for exports but also a catalyst for deeper industrialisation across the continent.

Globally, Zimbabwe is engaging with partners from the EU, China, and the UAE to structure mutually beneficial investment agreements that align with national priorities and development goals. The recently launched “Zimbabwe Is Open for Business” investor campaign continues to attract responsible, long-term capital into mining and downstream industries.

This commitment will be showcased globally at the Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Australia, a premier mining and investment event that connects African mineral-rich countries with international investors, technical experts, and financial institutions. Zimbabwe’s presence at ADU 2025 will be led by senior government officials, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), and key players from both the public and private mining sectors.

The Zimbabwean delegation will use the platform to highlight ongoing reforms in the mining sector, investment-ready projects, and the country’s growing role as a reliable and strategic supplier of critical minerals. Special emphasis will be placed on the lithium value chain, the introduction of the Green Mining Charter, and the various incentives available to investors through the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) framework.

Zimbabwe’s participation in ADU is more than a promotional campaign; it is part of its broader economic diplomacy strategy. It reflects our readiness to engage meaningfully with the international mining community while safeguarding our national interests. By positioning Zimbabwe as a destination of choice for responsible investment, the ADU offers an opportunity to consolidate partnerships, secure capital, and reinforce the message that Zimbabwe is open for business and prepared to lead on value-addition, beneficiation, and sustainable development.

In every forum, every engagement, and every handshake, Zimbabwe is taking control of its narrative, showing that this is not a resource story alone, but a nation-building story. A story of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency will participate at the Africa Down Under Conference as part of a whole-of-government approach, working alongside both Government and private sector to showcase Zimbabwe’s mining and energy opportunities and highlight the country’s investment potential.