Zimbabwe’s business environment continues to evolve as government policy, financial conditions, and regulatory reforms shape the direction of industry and investment. The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) February 2026 Newsletter provides a snapshot of the key developments affecting businesses across the country.

This edition focuses on economic policy, industrial competitiveness, regulatory updates, and private sector engagement—offering important insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.

A Shift Toward a 24-Hour Economy

One of the central themes explored in the newsletter is Zimbabwe’s ambition to build a 24-hour economy. The concept focuses on improving productivity by increasing the utilisation of existing industrial capacity rather than simply extending working hours.

Zimbabwe’s capacity utilisation rose from 53.8% in 2024 to around 58% in 2025, showing gradual improvement but also highlighting the need to unlock idle production capacity. For many sectors, particularly manufacturing and logistics, multi-shift operations could improve output, reduce fixed costs, and strengthen competitiveness.

However, the success of this strategy will depend on several critical factors, including reliable energy supply, improved access to capital, supportive depreciation policies, and strong labour productivity systems.

Monetary Policy and the Cost of Doing Business

The newsletter also reviews the 2026 Monetary Policy Statement, which prioritises economic stability and inflation control. Zimbabwe’s policy interest rate remains high at 35%, while ZiG lending rates range between 40% and 47%, with USD loans typically ranging between 11% and 18%.

While these measures are designed to stabilise the economy and maintain exchange-rate discipline, they also increase the cost of doing business. High borrowing costs continue to limit investment and working capital access for many companies.

The Chamber notes that while stability is necessary, there is also a need for a gradual pathway toward lower borrowing costs that support productive investment and economic expansion.

Dialogue on Reserved Sectors Policy

The newsletter also highlights discussions from the Reserved Sectors Implementation Modalities Indaba, where government officials, legal experts, and business leaders examined the implementation of Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025.

Stakeholders emphasised the importance of clear policy guidelines, realistic transition timelines, and strong coordination between government institutions. Businesses broadly support initiatives that strengthen local enterprise participation, but participants stressed that empowerment policies must be implemented carefully to avoid unintended disruptions to investment and industrial activity.

Ultimately, empowerment policies should strengthen competitiveness, productivity, and long-term industrial development.

Important Regulatory and Tax Updates

Several regulatory developments highlighted in the newsletter have direct implications for businesses and investors.

Digitalisation of Title Deeds
The Deeds Registries Regulations 2025 introduce a digital validation process requiring existing title deeds to be verified and converted into securitised electronic deeds. This initiative is designed to modernise land administration systems, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of fraud in property transactions.

Presumptive Rental Income Tax
Government has introduced a 15% presumptive tax on gross commercial rental income, effective January 2026. The measure applies to landlords earning rental income from commercial premises and requires monthly reporting to ZIMRA. Businesses leasing premises are encouraged to ensure compliance with these requirements to avoid potential disruptions.

Strengthening Business Collaboration

Beyond policy developments, the newsletter also highlights efforts to strengthen collaboration within Zimbabwe’s business community.

One example is the ZNCC Masvingo Networking and CABS Member Visit, which brought together representatives from 28 organisations for networking, presentations, and discussions on financial services and business support mechanisms.

Such engagements play an important role in fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the private sector’s contribution to economic growth.

Looking Ahead

The February 2026 newsletter reinforces ZNCC’s theme for the year: “From Resilience to Competitiveness: Charting a New Path for Sustainable Industrial Growth.”

As Zimbabwe’s economy continues to stabilise and adapt, the relationship between policy, industry, and investment will remain central to driving long-term growth. Through ongoing dialogue, regulatory clarity, and strategic reforms, the country can create an environment where businesses are able to invest, innovate, and compete more effectively.

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