1. Background and Rationale
African mineral-producing countries are seeking to move beyond raw-mineral export towards local beneficiation, fabrication and downstream industrial development. As a result, across Africa, governments are increasingly using export restrictions to pursue strategic objectives, including industrialisation and domestic value addition.
So far, about 13 African countries have introduced export restrictions, bans or beneficiation requirements. These include leading critical mineral producers such as Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the DRC.
There is a reasonable economic argument behind some of these measures where it is expected that restricting exports could push companies to set up facilities for smelting, refining and processing raw materials, or make raw materials more readily available to domestic processors and, under certain circumstances, provide an indirect cost advantage to downstream industries.
However, beneficiation is not automatically viable or developmentally beneficial. It depends on feedstock, energy, water, chemicals, technology, skills, finance, markets, logistics, standards and environmental and social safeguards.
Further, research elsewhere shows that beneficiation might not be economically viable for certain countries. For instance, the Natural Resources Governance Institute’s 2025 report, Refining the Strategy: The Economics of Lithium Value Addition in Ghana, models the economics of establishing a domestic lithium refinery in Ghana. Its findings revealed that a Ghanaian refinery built in the near term could cost the government at least US$500 million in lost revenue because the refinery would need to purchase Ghanaian lithium concentrate at below-market prices to remain viable. NRGI also estimated that the refinery would create fewer than 200 direct jobs once operational.
Equally important is the OECD 2017 Study on Export Controls and Competitiveness in African Mining and Minerals Processing Industries, which examined four African cases (manganese in Gabon, lead in South Africa, copper in Zambia and chromite in Zimbabwe). The study found that export restrictions generally did not improve the competitiveness of downstream processing industries, and in some cases, they undermined the performance of the mining industry by reducing the export competitiveness of the raw mineral.
Similarly, the International Monetary Fund’s 2024 Regional Economic Outlook also noted that previous mineral export bans in Tanzania and Zambia paradoxically contributed to reductions in both processed and raw mineral production.
Against this backdrop, a regional think tank working on natural resource governance is commissioning country-specific, evidence-based policy briefs to identify practical incentives and enabling reforms for local beneficiation in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The briefs will focus primarily on nationally viable beneficiation opportunities, while also taking into account relevant regional market, infrastructure and supply-chain dynamics. The findings will subsequently inform the Hub’s broader thinking on regional industrialisation and the proposed SADC Critical Minerals Value Chain Compact.
African mineral-producing countries are seeking to move beyond raw-mineral export towards local beneficiation, fabrication and downstream industrial development. As a result, across Africa, governments are increasingly using export restrictions to pursue strategic objectives, including industrialisation and domestic value addition.
So far, about 13 African countries have introduced export restrictions, bans or beneficiation requirements. These include leading critical mineral producers such as Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the DRC.
There is a reasonable economic argument behind some of these measures where it is expected that restricting exports could push companies to set up facilities for smelting, refining and processing raw materials, or make raw materials more readily available to domestic processors and, under certain circumstances, provide an indirect cost advantage to downstream industries.
However, beneficiation is not automatically viable or developmentally beneficial. It depends on feedstock, energy, water, chemicals, technology, skills, finance, markets, logistics, standards and environmental and social safeguards.
Further, research elsewhere shows that beneficiation might not be economically viable for certain countries. For instance, the Natural Resources Governance Institute’s 2025 report, Refining the Strategy: The Economics of Lithium Value Addition in Ghana, models the economics of establishing a domestic lithium refinery in Ghana. Its findings revealed that a Ghanaian refinery built in the near term could cost the government at least US$500 million in lost revenue because the refinery would need to purchase Ghanaian lithium concentrate at below-market prices to remain viable. NRGI also estimated that the refinery would create fewer than 200 direct jobs once operational.
Equally important is the OECD 2017 Study on Export Controls and Competitiveness in African Mining and Minerals Processing Industries, which examined four African cases (manganese in Gabon, lead in South Africa, copper in Zambia and chromite in Zimbabwe). The study found that export restrictions generally did not improve the competitiveness of downstream processing industries, and in some cases, they undermined the performance of the mining industry by reducing the export competitiveness of the raw mineral.
Similarly, the International Monetary Fund’s 2024 Regional Economic Outlook also noted that previous mineral export bans in Tanzania and Zambia paradoxically contributed to reductions in both processed and raw mineral production.
Against this backdrop, a regional think tank working on natural resource governance is commissioning country-specific, evidence-based policy briefs to identify practical incentives and enabling reforms for local beneficiation in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The briefs will focus primarily on nationally viable beneficiation opportunities, while also taking into account relevant regional market, infrastructure and supply-chain dynamics. The findings will subsequently inform the Hub’s broader thinking on regional industrialisation and the proposed SADC Critical Minerals Value Chain Compact.
Job Summary
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-10-08
Key Responsibilities
- Review relevant laws, policies, incentive regimes, export control measures, fiscal measures, investment frameworks, sector strategies, trade measures, local-content rules and environmental/social requirements.
- Map the local value-chain baseline: resources, operating projects, processing capacity, relevant firms, import/export patterns, industrial capability and key infrastructure.
- Identify the next viable local product or processing stage and distinguish short-, medium- and long-term opportunities.
- Undertake targeted stakeholder consultations with government, industry, finance institutions, researchers, workers, communities and civil society, as appropriate.
- Assess market and offtake conditions, including domestic demand, public procurement opportunities and realistic export markets.
- Assess technical, commercial, environmental and social feasibility conditions.
- Review existing incentives and propose a targeted incentive package linked to measurable performance obligations.
- Propose recommendations, including lead institutions, required policy actions, timeframe and costs and risks.
Requirements
- At least eight years of relevant professional experience in industrial policy, mining, energy, manufacturing, trade, development finance or value-chain analysis.
- Demonstrated country and sector expertise relevant to the selected assignment.
- Experience analysing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, investment frameworks and industrial upgrading.
- Ability to assess commercial feasibility, public-value outcomes and environmental/social risks.
- Experience in engaging government, the private sector, financial institutions, research bodies, communities and civil society.
- Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, decision-oriented policy briefs.
How to Apply
Apply by email: procurementzw@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for policy research contract roles in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Master's degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, or Environmental Studies, with a PhD preferred for senior positions. Relevant experience in SADC regional policy analysis, mining governance, or green economy research is highly valued. Professional certifications in project management or environmental economics can strengthen your application.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for this type of research contract?
Daily tasks include conducting literature reviews on beneficiation policies, analyzing trade and industrial data for selected SADC countries, drafting policy briefs, and engaging with government ministries and private sector stakeholders. You will also attend virtual and in-person consultations with regional partners and present findings to technical working groups. Report writing and meeting tight deadlines are central to this role.
How does the local work culture in Zimbabwe affect contract research positions?
Zimbabwean research institutions and consulting firms value punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and relationship-building before formal business engagements. Contracts often require flexibility due to funding cycles, so adaptability and proactive communication with project managers are essential. Networking through professional bodies like the Zimbabwe Economics Society can open doors to similar opportunities.
What career progression paths exist after completing this type of policy research contract?
Successful consultants often transition into senior advisory roles within government ministries, regional bodies like SADC Secretariat, or international organizations such as UNECA and AfDB. Others build portfolios as independent policy advisors or join think tanks focused on industrial policy and climate governance. Publishing peer-reviewed work strengthens credibility for academic or permanent research positions.
What typical benefits should I expect from a contract research role in Zimbabwe?
Contract positions usually include a fixed monthly or deliverable-based fee, with some employers offering medical aid contributions and limited annual leave days as specified in the contract. Pension benefits are less common for short-term contracts but may be negotiable for longer engagements. Always clarify payment terms, tax obligations, and remote work allowances before signing.
How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in candidates?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting SADC regional experience, quantitative analysis skills, and published policy work through official channels or professional networks. Employers prioritize demonstrated knowledge of Zimbabwe's industrial policy challenges, proficiency in data tools like Stata or R, and strong writing samples in English. Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on your analytical approach and stakeholder engagement experience.
