Zimbabwe Studies IMIP's Downstream Investment Model
MOROWALI, MAL – A delegation from the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) conducted a benchmarking visit to the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) from 8 to 12 June 2026 to study IMIP’s downstream investment development model, which is considered relevant for strengthening the steel sector and increasing the value addition of mineral-based industries in their country.
The visit underscores global recognition of IMIP as a benchmarking destination for building integrated manufacturing zones based on partnership. The downstream investment model is regarded as strategic for reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a relevant and experienced development partner at the international level.
During the visit, the ZIDA delegation, comprising Noel Mahombera (Head of Business Development), Robin Musonza (Research Manager), Pardon Nyandoro (Investment Manager for Economics), Davison Vandira (Investment Manager for Preparation and Development), and Nyasha Makuni (Investment Analyst), explored various key areas within IMIP. They were accompanied by representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Harare. Locations visited included the airport, jetty, production areas, and off-site facilities such as the Morowali Metal Industry Polytechnic.
“The focus of our delegation’s visit is to study the concept of natural resource-based industrial estate development, downstream steel industry, integrated estate governance, supply chain integration, investment facilitation, as well as logistics and export systems,” said Noel Mahombera, ZIDA’s Head of Business Development.
“Zimbabwe wants to open opportunities for inter-state cooperation and observe the Chinese investment with Indonesia on the type of business model at IMIP. ZIDA wants to understand how the cooperation system between these two countries is structured,” he added when received by IMIP management representatives. The Zimbabwean delegation also specifically inquired about the downstream investment value of IMIP for supporting facilities such as the airport, jetty, and accommodation.
The high level of enthusiasm and technical questions posed by the ZIDA delegation indicate Zimbabwe’s serious interest in adapting the IMIP model within the context of their national industrial development, particularly concerning investment structure, logistics capacity, and human resource management.
This visit opens concrete opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Zimbabwe in the field of capital investment, especially in investment promotion, mineral downstreaming, and the development of natural resource-based industrial estates. It also reinforces Indonesia’s positioning and image as a partner for Africa’s industrialisation development, while providing geopolitical and economic advantages amid increasing global competition for critical minerals in Africa.