Country risk report · Africa
Zimbabwe
Political RiskHigh
Operational RiskHigh
Security RiskMedium
Summary
Zimbabwe, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country known for its natural beauty, rich mineral resources, and diverse wildlife. It shares borders with South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe's population is estimated at 16.3 million (2024), with Harare serving as the capital and largest city. The country is home to iconic landmarks such as Victoria Falls and the Great Zimbabwe ruins, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.
Zimbabwe’s economy has historically been anchored in agriculture and mining, with tobacco, gold, and platinum among its primary exports. The country has significant mineral reserves, including the second-largest platinum deposits globally. However, decades of political and economic instability have severely impacted growth. Hyperinflation, currency crises, and widespread poverty remain critical challenges. Despite these issues, Zimbabwe’s recent policies focus on economic stabilization, infrastructure development, and investment promotion.
- Capital
- Harare
- Population
- 16.3 million (2024 estimate)
- Official Languages
- English, Shona, Ndebele
- Currency
- Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), with U.S. dollars widely used in parallel markets
- Key Industries
- Agriculture (tobacco, maize, horticulture), mining (gold, platinum, diamonds), tourism, manufacturing
- GDP
- $20 billion (2023 estimate)
- GDP Growth
- 3.5% (2023 estimate)
Table of contents
- Zimbabwe | Overview
- Political Risk Summary
- Political Stability
- Regulatory Risk
- Contract Enforcement
- Integrity and Corruption
- Sovereign Risk
- Operational Risk Summary
- Institutional Risk
- Infrastructure Risk
- Labour Risk
- Security Risk Summary
- Crime Risk
- Terrorism Risk
- War Risk
- Civil Unrest
- Kidnap Risk
Risk levels in the report
From the report’s summary page. The full report explains each level and lists the key concerns behind it.
- Very Low
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Very High
| Category | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Political Risk | High |
| Political Stability | High |
| Regulatory Risk | High |
| Contract Enforcement | High |
| Integrity and Corruption | Very High |
| Sovereign Risk | High |
| Operational Risk | High |
| Institutional Risk | High |
| Infrastructure Risk | High |
| Labour Risk | Medium |
| Security Risk | Medium |
| Crime | Medium |
| Terrorism | Very Low |
| War Risk | Very Low |
| Civil Unrest | Medium |
| Kidnap Risk | Low |
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