Resilience and Renewal: Zimbabwe’s Economic Rebound and the Foundations for NDS2
Published: 31 December 2025 By Tete Getty, Founder, Tete Getty House & TGRI
As 2025 concludes, Zimbabwe’s economy has exhibited strong resilience, achieving an estimated 6.6% GDP growth (World Bank Zimbabwe Economic Update, December 2025), rebounding from drought-affected slowdowns in 2024. This performance, driven by agricultural recovery, mining expansion, macroeconomic stabilisation, and a burgeoning tourism sector, aligns closely with the concluding objectives of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1, 2021–2025).
With preparations underway for National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2, 2026–2030), this review provides a comprehensive assessment for Zimbabweans, investors, and global trade partners, highlighting sectoral achievements, challenges, and emerging policies that reinforce self-reliance and inclusive growth.
Inspired by the enduring granite walls of Great Zimbabwe—our ancestors’ testament to sovereignty and ingenuity—2025 underscores Zimbabwean agency in overcoming external shocks.
Key indicators include ZiG inflation easing to 15–19% by year-end, record agricultural outputs, sustained mining investments, and a tourism boom, all embodying “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (the nation is built by its own people).
Macroeconomic Overview and NDS1 Achievements
NDS1 has exceeded targets in growth, reserves accumulation, and sectoral revival, paving the way for NDS2’s focus on accelerated industrialisation and innovation. Diaspora remittances exceeded US$2.7 billion, bolstering reserves to nearly US$1 billion.
Key Sectoral Performance
Agriculture (Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development – Dr. Anxious J. Masuka): Record wheat harvest of over 639,942 tonnes (Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services), achieving self-sufficiency and surplus. Maize recovery ensured food security. Pfumvudza/Intwasa programs empowered farmers in regions like Mashonaland West.
Mining (Ministry of Mines and Mining Development): Gold production approached 40+ tonnes, lithium investments advanced at Bikita Minerals (Sinomine) and Arcadia (Huayou Cobalt).
Finance (Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion – Professor Mthuli Ncube): Revenue mobilisation strengthened fiscal space; ZiG stability supported inflation decline.
Energy (Ministry of Energy and Power Development): Average generation ~1,537 MW (Hwange ~980 MW, Kariba ~505 MW), with upgrades ongoing.
Tourism (Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry) —Minister Barbara Rwodzi: A standout year, with Zimbabwe named the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes, highlighting attractions like Victoria Falls and Mana Pools. International arrivals grew by 9% in the first nine months, reaching over 1.38 million in Q3 alone, generating more than US$1 billion in revenue. Initiatives like the “ZimBho” campaign and global partnerships boosted visitor numbers from key markets.
Sector Key 2025 Achievement
Challenges and Impacts
Energy deficits (~2,200 MW demand) and debt persist, affecting households and industry.
In tourism, while growth is strong, some reports note localised declines due to economic challenges, impacting rural communities reliant on visitor spending.
Urgent Policy Developments
Professor Mthuli Ncube’s 2026 budget proposals, including VAT rises to 15.5%, risk inflationary pressures and household burdens amid recovery—requiring balanced adjustments for inclusivity.
Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025 reserves sectors (e.g., retail, artisanal mining) for Zimbabweans, mandating phased divestment (25% equity annually). This empowers locals, particularly youth, fostering innovation and closing gaps from past challenges.
Tete Getty Perspective: Forward in a Multipolar World. TGRI celebrates Zimbabwe’s progress while pursuing diversified partnerships—including strengthened ties with BRICS nations, EU, US, and beyond—for technology transfer, investment, and trade in critical minerals and renewables. As NDS2 approaches, unity and practical reforms will accelerate Vision 2030.
Zimbabweans, investors, partners: the Second Great Zimbabwe rises—resilient, sovereign, prosperous.
Tete Getty
Founder, Tete Getty House & TGRI |United Kingdom | December 2025
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