HARARE — The government has introduced new regulations sharply restricting foreign participation in several economic sectors reserved for Zimbabwean citizens, tightening long-standing indigenisation rules and setting strict investment thresholds for outsiders.
The measures, contained in Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025, bar foreign nationals from operating in a wide range of localised industries, including artisanal mining, bakeries, barber shops and salons, employment and advertising agencies, as well as local arts and crafts marketing.
In other areas such as retail, wholesale trade, grain milling, haulage, and shipping, foreign participation is allowed only for large-scale investors who meet high minimum thresholds. For instance, a foreign investor in retail and wholesale must commit at least US$20 million and employ a minimum of 200 workers, while those entering the haulage and logistics sector must invest US$10 million and maintain at least 100 employees. Shipping operations require a minimum investment of US$1 million and at least 20 full-time staff.
Under the new rules, foreign-owned businesses already operating in any of the reserved sectors must restructure their ownership, with a requirement to sell 75% of their shares to Zimbabwean citizens within three years, divesting 25% each year.
The regulations do not affect foreign control in strategic sectors such as large-scale mining, banking, or other industries not listed under the reserved categories, which remain open to international investors.
