Zimbabwe’s economy remains heavily reliant on its mining sector - minerals and metals account for over 60% of export revenues, and mining contributes around 12-14% of GDP.
Agriculture continues to employ a large portion of the workforce and contributes about 13% of GDP, underscoring opportunities for agricultural technology and services. Meanwhile, the country is undergoing shifts in digital finance, with fintech, mobile payments and blockchain solutions gaining traction, and infrastructure work in renewables, roads and railways opening further opportunities for Swiss companies.
For Swiss exporters, demand exists in mining and processing equipment, agritech, digital/financial-technology solutions, cybersecurity, and infrastructure-engineering services. Switzerland’s reputation for quality, precision and sustainable business helps address Zimbabwe’s need for reliability and advanced technology. However, challenges remain: inflation is high and volatile (although recent estimates vary significantly), the banking sector remains fragile and currency shortages and foreign exchange constraints can impact business operations. Deep market insight, strong local partnerships and flexible planning are essential for success.
No
Free Trade Agreement
There is a free trade agreement between Switzerland and this country. Source: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
0.04 0.04 billion
Total trade flows
Total goods traded with Switzerland (imports + exports). Source: UN Comtrade. Data as of 2023.
21.59 21.59 %
3-year GDP growth
Total real GDP growth over the last three years. Source: World Bank. Data as of 2023.
Zimbabwe is seeing renewed momentum in 2025, with growth near 6% driven by mining and a strong agricultural season. While the business environment remains challenging, demand for reliable, technology-driven solutions is rising, an area where the Swiss Business Hub can support Swiss and Liechtenstein firms in building trusted local partnerships.
Stéphanie Labité
Head of Swiss Business Hub Southern AfricaLatest insights
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FAQs
What is the current economic situation?
Zimbabwe’s economy faces significant volatility but offers areas of durable demand. Mining continues to be the engine of exports; agriculture remains a key employer. While inflation remains elevated and currency stability is poor, sectors tied to infrastructure and digitalisation show promising momentum. Swiss exporters should factor currency and inflation risk into their strategies and focus on high-quality, differentiated offerings.
What are the main export and import trends?
Zimbabwe’s export base is concentrated: over 60% of export earnings come from mining products (primarily minerals and metals). Agricultural exports, while smaller, are growing. Imports are dominated by machinery, industrial inputs, consumer goods and technology products. For Swiss companies, opportunities lie in supplying high-precision equipment, agritech, and industrial and digital solutions.
What opportunities exist for Swiss companies?
Swiss firms have well-aligned opportunities in agriculture and food-processing technology, mining and minerals-processing equipment, digital financial services and fintech, cybersecurity, and infrastructure-related solutions including renewables, transport and rail modernisation. Switzerland’s strong engineering reputation and sustainability credentials provide a competitive advantage.
Which sectors are most promising?
Top sectors for Swiss exporters include mining and minerals, agritech and food-processing, digital financial services & fintech, infrastructure engineering (roads, renewables, rail) and cybersecurity. These align with Zimbabwe’s export composition, technology-upgrading needs and growing digital ecosystem.
What are the main challenges and risks?
Swiss exporters face several challenges, including foreign currency transfer restrictions, slow tax credit reimbursements, and administrative hurdles, which can impede business operations. Additionally, incomplete regional integration and non-tariff barriers, such as strict customs controls and inconsistent trade rule application, can increase costs and delays, affecting competitiveness. Exporters should focus on streamlining logistics and advocating for better regional trade harmonization to mitigate these risks.
