Smart Investors Flock to Zimbabwe Agriculture

In recent years, Zimbabwe has caught the attention of sharp, forward-thinking investors. But it’s not the mines, stock market, or real estate turning heads—it’s agriculture, a sector long known for its rich potential but now becoming a powerhouse for profit and sustainable growth.

A Land of Fertile Opportunity

Zimbabwe is blessed with vast arable land, favorable climate conditions, and a population that is not just food-savvy but deeply connected to the land. Over 39 million hectares of land are classified as agricultural, and nearly 10 million hectares are deemed arable—making Zimbabwe one of the most agriculturally promising countries in Southern Africa.

From the sun-soaked fields of Mashonaland to the lush valleys of Manicaland, the land is fertile. Investors are realizing that when it comes to agriculture, Zimbabwe offers more than subsistence farming—it offers serious commercial potential.

The Shift to Commercial Farming

In the past, Zimbabwean agriculture was largely driven by smallholder farmers, but that’s changing fast. There’s now a clear shift toward commercial-scale farming, with investors injecting capital into crops like:

  • Tobacco (Zimbabwe is the largest producer in Africa)
  • Maize and Wheat
  • Soya Beans
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Avocados and Blueberries
  • Horticultural Produce for Export

Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports alone pulled in over US$900 million in 2024, while horticultural exports, particularly blueberries and avocados, have seen double-digit annual growth due to high demand in European and Middle Eastern markets.

Government Backing and Incentives

The Zimbabwean government has opened the gates for investors, offering several incentives for those willing to invest in agriculture. These include:

  • Tax breaks for agriculture-related investment
  • Duty-free imports for agricultural machinery and equipment
  • Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in irrigation schemes
  • Land lease agreements for foreign investors under long-term arrangements

Additionally, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) now offers fast-track investment approval, particularly for agricultural ventures aligned with food security and export growth.

Export-Oriented Growth

Zimbabwe is strategically located for export-driven agriculture. It has access to key regional markets through SADC (Southern African Development Community) and COMESA, plus trade links to the EU, China, and UAE.

In fact, blueberries from Zimbabwe are now a favorite in European markets, while macadamia nuts are being snapped up by China. Export-oriented farming is a goldmine, and with preferential trade agreements, Zimbabwean agricultural products often enjoy low tariffs or zero duty in many of these markets.

Rising Demand for Organic and Specialty Crops

The global shift toward organic food has also made Zimbabwe’s agriculture attractive. With much of the land being free from chemical contamination, the country is ideal for organic certification. This opens the door to premium-priced export markets for organic vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Specialty crops like moringa, chilies, hemp, and herbal teas are gaining traction, with investors setting up contract farming schemes to tap into these niche but high-value segments.

Infrastructure is Improving

Investment in agricultural infrastructure is ramping up. Key developments include:

  • Cold chain facilities for fresh produce exports
  • Irrigation schemes supported by both government and private sector
  • Rural electrification to support processing plants
  • Road and rail upgrades to connect farms to ports and borders

The Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu highway project is also improving logistics for export farmers, making it easier and faster to get goods to regional ports and neighboring markets.

Agro-Processing: Adding Value at Source

Investors are not just looking at farming—they’re eyeing the entire value chain. There’s growing interest in agro-processing, which turns raw farm produce into high-value products like:

  • Cooking oil from sunflower or soya
  • Fruit juices and dried fruit for export
  • Animal feed from maize and cotton by-products
  • Packaged herbs and teas for niche markets

The value addition ensures higher margins, local job creation, and foreign currency earnings. Government policy also encourages local processing, and investors in this space are seeing excellent returns.

Land Tenure: Clarified and Improved

For years, land ownership was a sticking point for investors. But recent policy changes have clarified land tenure and introduced bankable 99-year leases that can be used as collateral. Foreign investors can partner with local farmers or entities, and through joint ventures, tap into land with clear legal standing.

This clarity has unlocked funding, as banks and DFIs (Development Finance Institutions) are now more willing to fund agriculture due to improved land security.

A Young Workforce and Entrepreneurial Drive

Zimbabwe boasts a young, energetic workforce, with many youths turning to agriculture as a business, not just a fallback. Tech-savvy young farmers are using drones, apps, and precision farming tools to improve yields and reduce costs.

Investors are supporting this agritech wave, offering inputs, technology, and capital, while earning returns through revenue-sharing and contract farming models. The result? A modernized, efficient agricultural sector that’s attracting global attention.

Case Study: The Blueberry Boom

In Nyanga, a region once known for apples and trout, blueberries are the new gold. Investors set up irrigated plantations, introduced high-yield cultivars, and within two seasons, were exporting to Europe at premium prices.

These farms now generate millions in forex, employ hundreds of locals, and serve as a model for agro-export investment success. The blueprint is being replicated across Chiredzi, Chipinge, and Marondera, where land, water, and climate conditions are ripe for similar projects.

Risks and How Investors Are Managing Them

No investment is without risk, and agriculture in Zimbabwe is no exception. Challenges include:

  • Climate change impacts (droughts, floods)
  • Currency volatility
  • Infrastructure gaps

However, smart investors are mitigating risk through:

  • Insurance (including crop and export insurance)
  • Diversification (investing in multiple crops and regions)
  • Tech adoption (e.g., moisture sensors, weather tracking)
  • Hedging in forex for export earnings

Furthermore, regional support from agencies like AFDB, IFAD, and World Bank has brought in climate-smart agriculture funding, making Zimbabwe’s agriculture more resilient and bankable.

Conclusion: The Time is Now

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is ripe with opportunity. From fertile land and booming exports to government support and a hungry global market, everything points to one conclusion: smart investors are getting in early—and reaping the rewards.

Whether you’re eyeing horticulture, livestock, agro-processing, or agritech, Zimbabwe offers low barriers to entry, high margins, and unmatched growth potential. The question isn’t “why invest in Zimbabwean agriculture?”—it’s “how soon can you start?”