Tapiwa Chirume
STAFF WRITER
ZIMBABWE’S construction industry is positioning itself for significant growth as increased government investment in housing and infrastructure creates opportunities across the sector, the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) has said.
The sector is expected to benefit from increased investment in housing, roads, dams, energy projects and urban renewal, with industry players also looking to expand capacity and adopt modern construction technologies.
Speaking at the Construction Industry Recognition event in Harare recently, ZBCA president Tinashe Manzungu said the construction sector was central to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and would play a key role in delivering the country’s development ambitions.
“The construction industry is indeed the backbone of our national transformation. It is the sector that translates vision into reality, blueprints into communities, and aspirations into dignified livelihoods.
“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate the visionary government of the Republic of Zimbabwe for demonstrating its serious prioritisation of the construction sector by placing infrastructure development at the centre of national development.
“Substantial funds were allocated towards housing, roads, dams, energy and urban renewal. These investments are tangible opportunities for participants within the construction value chain.
“Under the National Development Strategy 2, the Housing Delivery Pillar sets the ambitious target of a million houses by 2030, a goal that presents strategic opportunities for our industry to expand capacity, adopt modern technologies and strengthen partnerships,” he said.
Manzungu said ongoing government reforms were creating a more conducive operating environment for the construction industry.
“We applaud the government’s open-door policy, which has allowed us as ZBCA and other stakeholders to engage meaningfully in shaping sectoral reforms.
“We appreciate the 2026 levy reforms authorised by His Excellency the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, that have promoted the ease of doing business.
“Furthermore, the ongoing engagements on the Contractors’ Bill and the collaborative review of the 1977 By-Laws show that the nation is in safe strategic hands.
“Government has availed a budget for this process, demonstrating that these reforms are not mere promises but actionable commitments,” he said.
Manzungu said increased investment and reforms had contributed to the growth of the construction sector, while new opportunities were emerging through regional trade.
“Research confirms that Zimbabwe’s construction sector has been on a boom ever since the Second Republic came into office, with growth driven by public-private partnerships, foreign direct inflows and Government’s quest to ensure the citizenry have access to affordable, decent housing infrastructure.
“The ZIDA (Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency) Q1 2026 Report recorded US$1.4 billion in investment commitments, with energy and infrastructure dominating investor interest.
“This momentum is reinforced by Zimbabwe’s signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which unlocks strategic international opportunities for local players in a continental market of 1.3 billion people and a GDP exceeding US$3.4 trillion,” he said.
The developments are expected to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and other players across the construction value chain, while increasing demand for skills, technology and financing.