Zimbabwe has achieved a major international milestone after being named the world’s most improved mining jurisdiction, surpassing long-established industry leaders such as Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
The honour was bestowed during the Global Mining Investment Forum in Beijing, China, marking a significant endorsement of the Second Republic’s reform-driven mining policies under the leadership of President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa.
Accepting the award, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando, said the recognition reflects Zimbabwe’s remarkable transformation into one of the most attractive investment destinations in the global mining landscape.
“Zimbabwe has now firmly positioned itself as a dynamic mining hub,” Minister Chitando told delegates. “This success stems from a predictable policy framework, transparent governance, and growing investor confidence — all inspired by the vision of His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa.”
According to the forum’s official report, Zimbabwe’s advancement was driven by strong progress in regulatory stability, policy clarity, investment facilitation, and a renewed national focus on mineral beneficiation and value addition. These factors collectively elevated the country to the top spot for improvement in mining investment attractiveness.
The accolade is widely viewed as a tangible outcome of the Multi-Billion-Dollar Mining Vision, a flagship initiative launched by President Mnangagwa to accelerate growth across strategic minerals. The initiative has already attracted billions in investment spanning gold, platinum, lithium, and coal, transforming Zimbabwe into one of the fastest-growing mining economies in Africa.
Minister Chitando noted that the recognition serves as more than symbolic praise — it is a validation of the country’s stability and competitiveness in the global resource sector.
“We have reformed our mining legislation, enhanced transparency, and strengthened governance to ensure that Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth benefits both investors and citizens alike,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s rise has been particularly pronounced in the lithium industry, where the nation is rapidly emerging as a critical supplier of minerals essential to the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
On the sidelines of the Beijing forum, Zimbabwe’s delegation engaged in strategic discussions with investors from China, the Middle East, and Europe, all expressing strong interest in joining the country’s expanding mineral value chains.
Industry observers at the event hailed the development as a clear signal of Zimbabwe’s resurgence on the global stage.
“This recognition confirms that Zimbabwe is not only rich in resources but now also rich in opportunity — a modern, value-driven mining hub in Africa,” one analyst commented.
Minister Chitando concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustaining reform momentum, adding that the achievement serves both as an honour and a motivation to further enhance Zimbabwe’s mining investment climate.