Zimbabwe Seeks Investment in Mineral Processing After Ban on Raw Exports

Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga stated that the country welcomes more investment in mineral processing and refining as it shifts from exporting raw minerals to domestic value addition. Chiwenga delivered these remarks on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, in a keynote address at the 2026 International Business Conference.

The conference took place during the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city.

AllAfrica reported that the Zimbabwean Cabinet recently approved a ban on exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates. The ban aims to boost local value addition and beneficiation. 'The era of exporting raw resources without meaningful domestic benefit must give way to a new phase of in-country value addition, industrialization and manufacturing,' Chiwenga stated.

He noted that the mining sector's momentum is driven by surging global demand for strategic minerals such as lithium and chrome. Zimbabwe has vast reserves of platinum group metals, lithium, chrome, and iron ore. The government is strengthening collaboration between industry and research institutions, Chiwenga said.

This collaboration aims to ensure innovation and skills development align with national production. Zimbabwe is accelerating investment in energy generation, transmission infrastructure, and renewable energy. Investment in renewable energy has driven the rollout of decentralized systems like mini-grids.

'We are inviting the private sector to partner with government in expanding the national energy base,' Chiwenga stated. He cited significant opportunities in independent power production and clean energy industries. Chiwenga also called for increased local capacity in steel manufacturing.

This call aims to mitigate evolving geopolitical risks.