CBZ Holdings Limited reaffirmed its position as Zimbabwe’s leading infrastructure financing partner at the Africa Infrastructure & Energy Conference (AIEC) in London, where Group Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Nyazema presented a compelling investment case for Zimbabwe and outlined practical mechanisms for mobilising private capital into strategic infrastructure projects.
Speaking during the conference’s high-level plenary programme, Mr Nyazema highlighted Zimbabwe’s significant infrastructure opportunities across transport, energy, mining and digital infrastructure, while positioning CBZ Holdings as a trusted financial partner with the expertise to originate, structure and execute complex infrastructure transactions. His presentation aligned with the conference theme, “Mobilising Private Capital for Africa’s Infrastructure & Energy,” by demonstrating how innovative financing structures, domestic capital mobilisation and strategic partnerships can accelerate the delivery of bankable infrastructure projects.
Zimbabwe: A Strategic Infrastructure Investment Destination
Mr Nyazema emphasised that Zimbabwe is uniquely positioned to become one of Africa’s most attractive infrastructure investment destinations due to its strategic geographic location, abundant natural resources and significant pipeline of investment-ready projects.
He noted that while Zimbabwe faces infrastructure financing requirements estimated at US$3.5 billion, these challenges present substantial opportunities for long-term investors seeking exposure to transport, energy, mining and digital infrastructure. Rather than focusing solely on financing gaps, the presentation highlighted Zimbabwe’s ability to generate attractive investment opportunities through well-structured projects supported by strong public-private partnerships and capital market solutions.
USD600 Million Infrastructure Bond
A key highlight of the presentation was the US$600 million Infrastructure Bond, one of Zimbabwe’s most significant planned infrastructure financing initiatives.
The proposed transaction will support the rehabilitation and modernisation of Zimbabwe’s national road network, particularly along the strategically important North-South Corridor and Beira Corridor, two critical transport routes that facilitate regional trade, logistics and economic integration across Southern Africa.
Mr Nyazema confirmed that CBZ Bank has been mandated as Lead Issuer, while CBZ Capital will serve as Lead Arranger and Structuring Adviser for the transaction on behalf of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). The landmark financing demonstrates CBZ Holdings’ capability to structure large-scale capital market transactions that mobilise institutional investment into nationally significant infrastructure assets.
Transforming Regional Transport Infrastructure
The proposed bond will contribute to upgrading Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure, which carries approximately 80% of the country’s freight movement, while strengthening the country’s role as a regional logistics gateway.
The rehabilitation of the North-South and Beira transport corridors is expected to improve trade efficiency, reduce logistics costs, strengthen regional connectivity and enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a strategic transit hub linking Southern Africa to regional ports. The initiative also reinforces the critical role of transport infrastructure in supporting industrialisation, regional value chains and cross-border commerce.
Mobilising Private Capital for Infrastructure
Throughout his presentation, Mr Nyazema argued that Africa’s infrastructure challenge is no longer the absence of capital, but rather the need for stronger financial intermediation capable of connecting institutional capital with investment-ready projects.
He outlined CBZ Holdings’ financing model, which combines development finance institution (DFI) partnerships, infrastructure bonds, blended finance structures, domestic pension and insurance capital, and capital market instruments to mobilise long-term investment into infrastructure.
The proposed model seeks to unlock domestic savings while attracting international institutional investors by creating bankable, revenue-backed infrastructure investments supported by robust project preparation and risk mitigation frameworks.
Demonstrated Infrastructure Finance Capability
Mr Nyazema also highlighted CBZ Holdings’ growing track record in infrastructure finance, structured transactions and capital markets.
In addition to the US$600 million Infrastructure Bond mandate, CBZ showcased several strategic transactions demonstrating its ability to mobilise capital across multiple sectors, including project finance syndications for the mining sector, capital market development initiatives through the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), and strategic infrastructure partnerships supporting agriculture and regional supply chains.
These mandates reinforce CBZ Holdings’ position as Zimbabwe’s leading financial institution for infrastructure financing and capital mobilisation.
A Partner for Investment Execution
Concluding his presentation, Mr Nyazema reaffirmed CBZ Holdings’ commitment to supporting Africa’s infrastructure transformation by serving as a trusted local execution partner for international investors.
He outlined CBZ’s role across the infrastructure financing value chain—from originating investment opportunities and structuring transactions to providing local debt, mobilising domestic capital and connecting projects with regional and international development finance institutions, including Afreximbank and the Africa Finance Corporation.
He invited institutional investors, development finance institutions and strategic partners to engage with CBZ Holdings on co-investment opportunities, financing mandates and partnerships that will accelerate infrastructure development across Zimbabwe and the region.
About CBZ Holdings Limited
CBZ Holdings Limited is Zimbabwe’s leading integrated financial services group, providing banking, insurance, investments and advisory services. With total assets exceeding US$1.8 billion and more than 46 years of market leadership, the Group has established itself as a leading arranger and financier of strategic infrastructure projects. Through its expertise in capital markets, structured finance and project execution, CBZ continues to play a pivotal role in mobilising private capital for Zimbabwe’s economic growth and infrastructure development.