Is he carrying water in his trunk? Or is it just comfortable li…

Map of British decolonisation in Africa. The beige areas were u…

Demonstration against Robert Mugabe's regime next to the Zimbab…

First run of the Zambesia Mail and Passenger Company stage coac…

Zimbabwe

Country Information of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. The nation boasts a diverse landscape that includes the high-altitude central plateau known as the Highveld, which dominates...

Capital

Harare

Languages

Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Harare,Bulawayo City,Chitungwiza,Mutare,Gweru,Kwekwe,Ruwa,Norton,Kadoma,Masvingo

Major Cities

What Expats Say About ZimbabweBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Zimbabwe. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Zimbabwe

Life Expectancy

61.2

Population

14,862,927

Religions

Christianity (Pentecostal)

17%

Christianity (Protestant)

13.8%

Non-religious

8.3%

Christianity (Catholic)

6.4%

Ethnic Composition

African

99.6%

Coloured

0.1%

other

0.1%

Climate & Weather in Zimbabwe

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Safety & Security in Zimbabwe

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Zimbabwe

Africa Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Moderate

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Concerning

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Limited

Healthcare Quality

Limited

Emergency Response

Limited

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 999 (universal)

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes urban, 45-60 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Public healthcare system with regional hospitals, limited resources

• Trauma Centers: Limited in Harare and Bulawayo

• Language Support: English widely spoken in emergency services

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 999

• Medical: 994

• Police: 995

• Fire: 993

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~25 minutes

• Rural areas: ~55 minutes

Hospital System:

Public healthcare system with limited resources, concentrated in urban areas with significant gaps in rural regions

Major Trauma Centers:

Harare, Bulawayo

Language Support:

Emergency services primarily operate in English, with some local language capabilities

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Zimbabwe

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Zimbabwe

Photo Gallery of Zimbabwe

20 photos • Click any image to view larger

Living Costs in Zimbabwe

Extremely low cost of living with affordable housing and basic expenses, though economic instability impacts purchasing power.

Crime & Safety in Zimbabwe

Moderate safety concerns with higher crime rates in urban areas, particularly Harare. Petty crime and property theft are common.

Safety Index: 39.10 | Crime Level: 60.90

Health System in Zimbabwe

Limited public healthcare infrastructure with challenges in medical resources and accessibility, particularly in rural regions.

Quality Rating: 4.5/10

Advantages in Zimbabwe

Rich cultural diversity and welcoming local communities
Beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife opportunities
Strategic location for regional business in Southern Africa
Young, dynamic population with entrepreneurial spirit

Disadvantages in Zimbabwe

Persistent economic instability and high inflation
Limited job market and employment opportunities
Inconsistent infrastructure and frequent power outages
Political uncertainty and complex governance challenges

Government & Politics in Zimbabwe

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Economic Overview in Zimbabwe

Index

GDP

$20.68B

HDI

0.6

Quality of Life

44/100

+1 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

12/100

-30 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Zimbabwe. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Zimbabwe

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

3-20 ZWL

Avg: 11.5 ZWL

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

35-120 ZWL

Avg: 77.5 ZWL

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5-7 ZWL

Avg: 6 ZWL

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

1-3.12 ZWL

Avg: 2.06 ZWL

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

150-500 ZWL

Avg: 325 ZWL

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

100-400 ZWL

Avg: 250 ZWL

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

500-1500 ZWL

Avg: 1000 ZWL

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

300-1200 ZWL

Avg: 750 ZWL

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.5-1 ZWL

Avg: 0.75 ZWL

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

3-10 ZWL

Avg: 6.5 ZWL

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

30-60 ZWL

Avg: 45 ZWL

Gasoline (1 liter)

1.46-1.65 ZWL

Avg: 1.55 ZWL

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

30-100 ZWL

Avg: 65 ZWL

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

45-200 ZWL

Avg: 122.5 ZWL

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

15-25 ZWL

Avg: 20 ZWL

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

1-2 ZWL

Avg: 1.5 ZWL

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.72-1.2 ZWL

Avg: 0.96 ZWL

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.44-3.6 ZWL

Avg: 2.52 ZWL

Local Cheese (1kg)

3-30 ZWL

Avg: 16.5 ZWL

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

20-90 ZWL

Avg: 55 ZWL

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

5-20 ZWL

Avg: 12.5 ZWL

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

7-20 ZWL

Avg: 13.5 ZWL

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

150-500 ZWL

Avg: 325 ZWL

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Zimbabwe

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's transportation landscape features an extensive 88,100 km road network vital for domestic and cross-border trade, connecting major cities to neighbors like South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique. With 161 airports including 9 major ones and left-hand driving, mobility relies heavily on roads and informal transport amid challenges like deteriorating infrastructure, limited public systems, and rural connectivity gaps. Residents and visitors use buses, minibuses, and private vehicles, facing maintenance issues but benefiting from high road density.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

3.2/10

Basic public transport dominated by informal minibuses (kombis) and buses in urban areas like Harare. Limited formal bus networks with poor integration; no metro or subway systems. Rail services exist but are unreliable for passengers. Coverage gaps in rural areas; operating hours limited.

Road Infrastructure

4.2/10

88,100 km total roads, 17,400 km paved; primary roads link neighbors via Pan-African Highway. High density but deteriorated condition creates bottlenecks on North-South corridor. Urban roads managed locally; maintenance underfunded, leading to potholes and safety issues.

Internet Speed

3.8/10

Average fixed broadband speeds around 25-35 Mbps in 2025, with mobile averaging 20-30 Mbps. Limited fiber optic deployment mainly in Harare; wide urban-rural gap. Investments in ICT infrastructure ongoing but coverage remains basic.

Avg: 28.5+ Mbps • Limited to major cities like Harare and Bulawayo; rural areas rely on mobile and satellite

Airport Connectivity

4.8/10

161 airports total, 9 major (large/medium) including Harare International (HRE) as primary hub. Domestic flights limited; international routes to Africa, Europe, Middle East. Basic connectivity with moderate regional links; airport quality varies.

Hubs: Harare International (HRE), Victoria Falls (VFA), Bulawayo (BUQ)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no metro system)
Bus Trip: N/A (informal kombi fares ~US$0.50-1.00 Harare)
Taxi: N/A (kombi/taxi ~US$5-10 short trips; US$0.50/km)
High-speed Train: N/A (no high-speed rail; intercity bus/train ~US$10-30 Harare-Bulawayo)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited to Harare and major cities; rollout started 2024 by Econet, expanding slowly to urban areas

4G Coverage: Extensive in urban centers (80-90% coverage), limited rural (50-60%); NetOne, Econet, Telecel providers

Reliable in cities with decent speeds; rural areas suffer poor coverage and reliability due to infrastructure gaps.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid for 3 months with IDP (required for non-Commonwealth). Zimbabwe drives on left. Long-term residents (over 3 months) must convert to local license via driving test.

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Work & Business in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's economy is experiencing a robust recovery driven by strong agricultural rebound, significant mining investments in gold, lithium, iron, and steel, and improving macroeconomic stability. The country offers growing employment opportunities across agriculture, mining, construction, ICT, and retail sectors, supported by exchange rate stability following the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency introduction and declining inflation. The business environment is gradually improving through regulatory reforms and ease-of-doing-business initiatives, though challenges remain including power supply constraints and limited foreign direct investment. Entrepreneurs and workers can benefit from regional integration opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and government prioritization of private sector growth and innovation.

Employment Rate

48.0%

Below-average employment rate with significant labor market challenges. Formal employment concentrated in agriculture, mining, and services sectors. Informal economy absorbs substantial workforce. Youth unemployment remains elevated. Growing opportunities in mining and construction sectors, though overall job creation constrained by infrastructure limitations and power supply issues.

Startup Ecosystem

35.0%

Emerging startup ecosystem with limited resources and support infrastructure. Government prioritizing business environment improvements through regulatory reforms and streamlined licensing. Challenges include limited venture capital availability, restricted access to finance, and infrastructure constraints. Growing ICT sector presents opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. Regional AfCFTA integration creating new market possibilities for startups.

Average Salary Range

ZWL 180,000 - ZWL 480,000 annually

Average salaries range from ZWL 180k-480k annually depending on sector and experience. Mining and ICT sectors offer higher compensation (ZWL 350k-600k+). Purchasing power affected by inflation pressures from drought and domestic tax increases. Formal sector salaries generally higher than informal economy. Cost of living varies significantly between urban centers and rural areas.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visitor visa for entry to Zimbabwe. Work permits mandatory for employment. Application through Zimbabwean embassy/consulate with employment letter and qualifications documentation.

Non-EU Citizens:

Work visa required for employment. Application process involves employer sponsorship, police clearance, and medical examination. Highly skilled workers in priority sectors (mining, ICT, agriculture) may have expedited processing. Visa validity typically 12 months renewable.

Zimbabwe requires work authorization for all foreign nationals regardless of origin. Employer sponsorship essential for work permits. Priority given to skilled workers in sectors aligned with National Development Strategy 2 priorities. Processing timelines typically 4-8 weeks. No digital nomad visa program currently available.

Business Registration

Timeline:

2-4 weeks

Minimum Capital:

ZWL 0

Business registration conducted through Zimbabwe's Registrar of Companies. Most common structures are Private Company (Pvt) Ltd and Close Corporation. Streamlined licensing processes underway to improve ease of doing business. Online registration options expanding. Requirements include company name approval, memorandum and articles of association, director identification, and registered office address. No mandatory minimum capital requirement for most business structures.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No comprehensive remote work legislation. Employment governed by Labour Act with flexibility for employer-employee agreements. Growing acceptance post-pandemic but limited formal legal framework.

Remote work increasingly accepted in ICT, finance, and professional services sectors. Co-working spaces emerging in Harare and Bulawayo. Infrastructure challenges including power cuts and internet reliability impact remote work viability. Employer attitudes vary; formal sector more accommodating than informal. Cross-border remote work for international companies growing but tax implications unclear.

Key Industries

Agriculture & Agribusiness

Mining & Extractives

Construction & Infrastructure

Information & Communication Technology

Retail & Trade

Energy & Power Generation

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Financial Services

Job Opportunities by Sector

Mining & Extractives:

High demand for mining engineers, geologists, equipment operators, and project managers. Gold, lithium, iron, and steel sectors expanding with significant foreign investment. Salaries competitive: ZWL 350k-600k+. Skills in modern extraction technology highly valued. Career progression opportunities strong.

Agriculture & Agribusiness:

Growing opportunities in agricultural management, agronomy, irrigation specialists, and agribusiness entrepreneurs. Government prioritizing agricultural modernization. Demand for value-added processing and export-oriented production. Salaries ZWL 200k-400k. Climate-smart agriculture expertise increasingly sought.

Information & Communication Technology:

Expanding ICT sector with demand for software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and IT infrastructure professionals. Harare emerging as tech hub. Salaries ZWL 280k-500k+. Growing opportunities in fintech and digital solutions. Regional AfCFTA integration creating export opportunities for tech services.

Construction & Infrastructure:

Strong demand driven by government infrastructure modernization, particularly road networks and power generation projects. Opportunities for project managers, engineers, skilled tradespeople, and equipment operators. Salaries ZWL 250k-450k. Long-term growth prospects as infrastructure investment continues.

Energy & Power Generation:

Expanding opportunities in power generation, distribution, and renewable energy sectors. Demand for electrical engineers, technicians, and project managers. Hwange thermal power station expansion and renewable energy initiatives creating jobs. Salaries ZWL 300k-500k. Critical sector for economic development.

Financial Services & Banking:

Growing banking and fintech sector with opportunities for accountants, financial analysts, compliance officers, and digital banking specialists. Financial sector deepening a national priority. Salaries ZWL 250k-450k. Increasing demand for professionals with international experience and certifications.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Zimbabwe

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Legal & Administrative in Zimbabwe

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Environment & Sustainability in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe faces significant environmental challenges driven by climate variability, with semi-arid conditions, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing drought frequency threatening agricultural productivity and food security. The country is implementing climate-smart agriculture and environmental rehabilitation initiatives, though deforestation and land degradation remain critical concerns requiring urgent attention.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.5/10

Stable trend

Zimbabwe's air quality data is limited in public monitoring systems. The country faces air quality challenges from industrial mining operations, biomass burning, and dust from semi-arid regions. Mining sector expansion planned for 2026 may impact air quality in mining regions.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

Zimbabwe's water quality is challenged by inadequate water quantity and quality infrastructure. About 80% of agricultural production is rainfed, making the country highly vulnerable to drought and water scarcity. Climate models predict increased rainfall variability and delays in rainy seasons, exacerbating water stress.

Water access and quality remain concerns in rural areas. Government initiatives focus on improving water management and treatment standards, though implementation faces fiscal constraints.

Recycling System

Zimbabwe has limited formal recycling infrastructure data available in public sources. Mining companies are implementing ESG initiatives including environmental rehabilitation and waste management practices, with plans to invest 11% of revenue in ESG measures in 2026.

Green Spaces

Zimbabwe has 5.7 million hectares of natural forest covering approximately 15% of its land area as of 2020. The country lost 9.1 thousand hectares of natural forest in 2024, equivalent to 3.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Protected areas and national parks form part of Zimbabwe's biodiversity conservation strategy.

Forest Coverage: 15.0%

Zimbabwe maintains several protected areas and national parks as part of its conservation efforts, though specific counts require additional verification.

Environmental Policies

Zimbabwe is implementing climate-smart agriculture programs, national decentralization policies, and environmental rehabilitation initiatives. The country faces challenges in policy implementation due to limited fiscal space and capacity constraints in government institutions. Mining companies are required to adopt environmental rehabilitation plans and invest in renewable energy.

Key Policies:

•National climate proofing agriculture programme
•Agriculture food systems transformation strategy
•Environmental rehabilitation and reforestation programs
•ESG and local content development requirements for mining

Renewable Energy: Mining companies are investing in renewable energy as part of ESG initiatives. The sector faces significant power supply deficits, with electricity demand expected to rise from 750 MW to 880 MW in 2026.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Zimbabwe faces high natural disaster risk from droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. The 2024 El Niño-related drought significantly impacted the country's economic recovery. December 2025 rainfall showed mixed patterns with above-average precipitation in central, eastern, and southern regions but below-average rainfall in Harare and northwestern areas.

DroughtsFloodsExtreme rainfall variabilityHeat waves

Climate Change Impacts: Climate models for Zimbabwe predict rising temperatures, increased rainfall variability and extremes, and delays in rainy seasons. These changes result in more frequent natural disasters affecting vulnerable populations and increasing humanitarian response costs. The country's predominantly semi-arid climate is extremely variable, with shifting rainfall patterns exacerbated by land degradation and deforestation. ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through Northern Hemisphere late spring 2026. Vegetation health anomalies in December 2025 showed deterioration relative to long-term averages in some regions, with NDVI values ranging from 70-95% of long-term average in Harare and parts of central provinces.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Zimbabwe is implementing national climate proofing agriculture programs and agriculture food systems transformation strategies to improve productivity and diversification of climate-smart crops. Initiatives focus on improving water and soil conditions, increasing access to agricultural inputs, adopting state-of-the-art techniques, and reducing post-harvest losses to enhance food security and resilience.

Environmental Rehabilitation and Reforestation

Mining companies are planning to spend an average of 11% of their revenue on ESG initiatives in 2026, including environmental rehabilitation plans and reforestation programs. These measures aim to address deforestation and land degradation while supporting climate resilience objectives.

Renewable Energy Investment

Mining companies are investing in renewable energy as part of ESG commitments to reduce dependence on grid electricity and address power supply deficits. The sector faces critical electricity constraints, with mining losing approximately 10% of potential output due to power outages.

Community Investment and Social Responsibility

Mining companies are spending up to 2% of revenues on Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects focusing on infrastructure development including schools and clinics, education, health, and sports programs to support community resilience and development.

Wildlife & Nature

African ElephantVulnerable

African Wild DogVulnerable

Black RhinocerosCritically Endangered

African Fish EagleCommon

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Geography in Zimbabwe

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Mount Nyangani

Lowest Point

Runde River

National Flag

Quick Facts for Zimbabwe

Population

14,862,927

Currency

ZWL

Timezone

UTC+02:00

Calling Code

+263

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

50.3 (2019)

Drives on the

left side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Zimbabwe

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services