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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

  1. Zimbabwe | Overview
  2. Political Risk Summary
  3. Political Stability
  4. Regulatory Risk
  5. Contract Enforcement
  6. Integrity and Corruption
  7. Sovereign Risk
  8. Operational Risk Summary
  9. Institutional Risk
  10. Infrastructure Risk
  11. Labour Risk
  12. Security Risk Summary
  13. Crime Risk
  14. Terrorism Risk
  15. War Risk
  16. Civil Unrest
  17. 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
Risk levels by category and subcategory
CategoryRisk level
Political RiskHigh
Political StabilityHigh
Regulatory RiskHigh
Contract EnforcementHigh
Integrity and CorruptionVery High
Sovereign RiskHigh
Operational RiskHigh
Institutional RiskHigh
Infrastructure RiskHigh
Labour RiskMedium
Security RiskMedium
CrimeMedium
TerrorismVery Low
War RiskVery Low
Civil UnrestMedium
Kidnap RiskLow

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Anton Arnesen — Group Compliance Officer, Multiconsult Group