Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister says Government has introduced new investment guidelines aimed at strengthening governance and protecting national interests in major projects.
Speaking on the new framework, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube, said the guidelines were crafted in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency — commonly known as ZIDA — and have now received Cabinet approval.
He said the move brings clarity to investors by outlining how they can structure joint ventures and secure what he termed “triple clear” arrangements within Government.
Central to the new framework is a 30 percent shareholding requirement for Government in qualifying projects.
Minister Ncube described the 30 percent threshold as a “magic figure” — large enough to give the State a significant and material minority stake, while still allowing investors to retain the majority of returns.
He explained that under corporate governance standards, a shareholder holding at least 26 percent qualifies as a significant minority shareholder. By setting the figure at 30 percent, Government secures board representation and strategic voting power.
This, he said, ensures that the State can contribute meaningfully to project governance, influence strategic direction, and safeguard national interests — without being overly intrusive.
At the same time, project promoters would retain 70 percent of dividends, maintaining strong incentives for private investment.
Minister Ncube said the balance is designed to protect citizens’ benefits while preserving investor confidence and ensuring Zimbabwe remains an attractive destination for capital.
The guidelines are expected to be formally promulgated and disseminated to guide both current and prospective investors.
