ZIDA Unveils Investor Grievance Response Mechani...

ZIDA Unveils Investor Grievance Response Mechanism to Boost Investor Confidence

Audrey Galawu-Assistant Editor

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency has launched a new Investor Grievance Response Mechanism, a move aimed at strengthening investor confidence and enhancing the country's appeal as a preferred investment destination.

Established under the ZIDA Act [Chapter 14:38], the agency has, over the past four years, played a key role in simplifying investment procedures and offering protections to investors. The latest addition to its framework, the IGRM, formalises a process through which investors can raise and resolve grievances resulting from actions or policy changes by government ministries, departments, or agencies that negatively impact existing investment projects.

The mechanism was officially introduced through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (General Investments) Regulations (SI 227 of 2023), gazetted in December 2023. ZIDA says the IGRM is geared towards resolving investor issues promptly, thus preventing minor disputes from escalating into major disruptions or legal battles.

“The IGRM encourages early-stage resolution of disputes. We are committed to ensuring that investor concerns are dealt with swiftly to avoid unnecessary financial losses and to maintain Zimbabwe’s reputation as a stable and predictable investment environment,” said Judith Mbetu, ZIDA’s Corporate Affairs Manager.

The mechanism is structured around four main stages: submission of a grievance through the ZIDA website, assessment and review of the issue, engagement with relevant authorities, and eventual resolution and feedback. Once a grievance is raised, the concerned government authority is expected to respond within five days, while investors are given up to 30 days to provide supporting documentation.

ZIDA will act as a coordinator between investors and government agencies, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

“This mechanism is aligned with international best practices and strengthens our aftercare services by promoting direct, timely communication between investors and relevant authorities,” Mbetu added.

ZIDA’s broader mandate includes promoting general investments, facilitating public-private partnerships, and overseeing Special Economic Zones. Through its One Stop Investment Services Centre, the agency provides support services ranging from company registration to tax facilitation, all aimed at creating a seamless business establishment experience.

The launch of the IGRM signals Zimbabwe’s ongoing commitment to improving its investment climate, particularly at a time when the country is working to attract more foreign direct investment to drive economic transformation.