5 Natural Resources in Zimbabwe and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Them

Located in the Southern Part of Africa, land locked and seating on a land area of around 390,757 Zimbabwe is one of the most blessed Nations in World. It has so much great potential in different economic activities that presents a lot of entrepreneurial opportunities that we have to benefit from as a Nation. Let’s discuss about the 5 Natural Resources in Zimbabwe and in the comments section leave some of the opportunities that comes with other natural resources.

Arable Land

Zimbabwe is blessed with arable land that can be turned into commercial farms and contribute to the National Coffers. In 2016, Arable Land in Zimbabwe was reported to be 10.34% (trading economics). They is need to utilize this land to guarantee food security and generate foreign currency through exportation of crops. Agricultural Outputs in Zimbabwe have been decreasing and now it’s the right time we take pride in Agriculture and make Zimbabwe Africa’s food basket again. Opportunities in Agriculture varies from horticulture: flower farming, mushroom, market gardening only mention a few. Animal Husbandry: poultry, cattle fattening, cross breading etc. Plantations: Macadamia Nuts, Avocados, Tea, Bananas, Oranges only to mention a few. It also come with value addition opportunities. This leaves Zimbabwe with a lot of arable land that requires entrepreneurs to monetize from.

Water

Whilst Zimbabwe is a land locked country, it also has a number of dams and rivers that come with a lot of opportunities. Most of these dams are located in rural or semi-urban areas that presents a great opportunity for rural tourism. Rural tourism is the future folks, and we have to find a way to be part of the revolution. For those located in urban areas there are capable of being turned into recreational centers, accommodation and other services can be added to that. To add on, with the recent damages brought by climate change, Zimbabwe can opt for irrigation so as to guarantee food security. A number of rivers come with opportunities for small hydro-electricity generation which can power rural area and or industrial activities in surrounding areas. These water bodies also present fishing opportunities with major fishing activities taking place in Lake Kariba, Chivero, Manyame etc. it also presents fish value addition opportunities that can then be consumed locally and internationally.

Wildlife

Zimbabwe is also blessed with a variety species of wild life that unlocks potentials in tourism and the animal hides sector. Due to variety of wildlife in Zimbabwe, this can attract both local and international tourists who would also need to be offered accommodation and food. Matobo is one of the most visited site, in 2018 it attracted 54,806 visitors. Matobo houses more than 175 bird species, 39 snake species, and 88 mammal species. Other wild animals that contributes to Zimbabwe’s popularity are lions, elephant and buffalos. This also come with an opportunity of animal hides production and even manufacturing of products from that.

Forests

Zimbabwe is also blessed with forests in areas like Matabeleland, Midlands and Manicaland. Whilst illegal logging and deforestation are the main challenges being faced in the forests of Zimbabwe, it also has a number of opportunities entrepreneurs can benefit from. These include tourism and hospitality, which saw the rain forest attracting an annual visit of 338,472 tourists. Residue from the trees also presents opportunities in renewable energy generation through biomass.

Minerals

Zimbabwe is also blessed with a lot of mineral resources varying from industrial minerals, base metals, precious metals, gem stones and semi-precious stones. These present opportunities for mining, mineral beneficiation and manufacturing of finished goods. Minerals are a large input in the manufacturing of some goods such as vehicles and cell phones. Some minerals are also used to manufacture pharmaceutical products. Some interesting facts about the Zimbabwe Mining sector are that it is under-explored, every district has gold deposits and it is in the top 10 globally in both lithium and platinum deposits. Entrepreneurs need to grab the chance and consider mining as a serious business.