Staff Reporter

Sweden-based companies have expressed strong interest in establishing mining projects in Zimbabwe, drawn by the country’s vast mineral wealth and the investor-friendly policies introduced by the Second Republic.

The Swedish-Zimbabwean Sustainability in Mining Expo, held in Harare over the weekend, served as a platform for European companies to explore opportunities within Zimbabwe’s thriving mining industry.

Speaking at the event, Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General, Camilla Mellander, highlighted her country’s growing engagement in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

“The Swedish delegation is in Zimbabwe to explore investment opportunities in mining. During my visit to Zimplats, I observed that over 60 percent of the machinery in use originates from Sweden. This underscores the existing strong cooperation between our countries. Sweden is a global leader in mining equipment manufacturing, and we believe this partnership can contribute positively to Zimbabwe’s mining industry,” she said.

Mellander also emphasised the importance of sustainable mining practices in ensuring long-term sectoral growth.

“Sweden has a long history of responsible mining, and we are keen to share our expertise. Our goal is to support Zimbabwe in implementing sustainable mining techniques that enhance productivity while minimising environmental impact,” she added.

Zimbabwean authorities have welcomed Sweden’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in the mining sector.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Sweden, the Nordics, and Baltics, Priscilla Misihairabwi, described the visit as a testament to Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic diplomacy efforts.

“The presence of this delegation reflects our Government’s commitment to attracting external investment. It also demonstrates the strengthening ties between Zimbabwe and Sweden. This engagement will further unlock opportunities in the resource extraction sector, which continues to experience remarkable growth due to various Government interventions,” she said.

Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s dedication to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

“Zimbabwe possesses a wealth of mineral resources, and mining is expected to be a key driver towards attaining Vision 2030. However, we acknowledge the need to align economic growth with sustainable mining practices. Sweden’s participation in our mining sector will enhance existing ties and contribute to long-term development,” said Minister Chitando.

The Swedish-Zimbabwean Sustainability in Mining Expo was focused on promoting Swedish mining technologies and innovations that support sustainable mining operations in Zimbabwe.

The event also facilitated knowledge exchange between mining representatives from both countries.

As Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its engagement and re-engagement agenda with global economies, the participation of Swedish firms underscored growing international confidence in the country’s mining sector.

Meanwhile, following the success of the Swedish-Zimbabwean Sustainability in Mining Expo, several Sweden-based companies are now exploring business opportunities, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a prime destination for mining investment.