string(16) "slug is zimbabwe" Zimbabwe - Country Profile - African Landlocked Countries Research Centre
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Zimbabwe

Capital: Harare

Population

Estimated at 16.95 million (2025)

Area

Approximately 390,757 km²

GDP

$20-30 billion (varies by source)

Bordering Countries

4

Overview

Landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia

Zimbabwe is a resource-rich landlocked Southern African country with significant mineral wealth and agricultural potential. Decades of political and economic instability have constrained growth, but recent reforms aim to rebuild stability and competitiveness.

Bordering Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia

Economic Profile

Primary Exports

Gold, tobacco, platinum, ferroalloys, cotton, sugar, horticultural products

Key Industries

Mining (gold, diamonds, platinum), agriculture, manufacturing, services, tourism

Main Trade Partners

South Africa, China, United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, Botswana

Economic Challenges

Currency instability and hyperinflation (peaked at over 200% in 2025), infrastructure deficits, energy shortages, brain drain, political tensions

Trade & Transit Infrastructure

Main Transit Corridors

Regional corridors connecting to South African and Mozambican ports (Durban, Beira)

Key Border Crossing Points

Beitbridge (South Africa), Chirundu (Zambia), Forbes/Machipanda (Mozambique)

Port Access

Durban (South Africa), Beira (Mozambique)

Transport Infrastructure Quality

Roads and rail networks require rehabilitation; Beitbridge border post upgraded to One-Stop Border Post (OSBP)

Trade & Transit Challenges

Political and economic instability, currency crises, international isolation, infrastructure gaps

Key Statistics & Indicators

Human Development Index: Moderate HDI

National Trade & Development Strategies

Economic stabilization measures, infrastructure rehabilitation, trade facilitation, political reforms

Ongoing and Planned Projects

Economic stabilization (inflation control, currency stabilization), infrastructure rehabilitation (transport corridors, energy, border posts), education and research initiatives, trade facilitation (electronic customs systems)