The inauguration of Zimbabwe's President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa has been put on hold after the opposition MDC challenged the election in court. But even as the country awaits the court verdict, the business community is optimistic about investment prospects that will boost the economy and ensure growth and development of the nation. CGTN's Alexandria Majalla has that story.

Zimbabwe's post-election business and economic prospects are bright. The country's business community is hopeful that President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa will keep his promise to turn the economy around. With Mnangagwa at the helm, there has already been significant investor interest in the country since the new dispensation, with more expected during this post-election season.

SIFELANI JABANGWE PRESIDENT, CONFEDERATION OF ZIMBABWE INDUSTRIES "We believe that with the coming in of the new government confidence will probably settle in. And with the set up of these, if you look at the projects that were groundbreaking events where held prior to the elections, each one of them is a massive project. Zimbabwe-based just on the natural endowment is poised for growth. If Zimbabweans are unable to unpack these others will have to come in and unpack and invest and create these businesses."

Mnangagwa who was responsible for the country's economic affairs under Mugabe's reign has pledged to turn the economy into middle-class status by 2030. Zimbabwe's economy has been on a slump. The manufacturing sector, was one of the worst hit, but now the industry has started to see some growth. Production has so far increased by 20% in most companies while others, particularly in the beverages and motor industry have gained new investors.

With Zimbabwe's "open for business" mantra, economists are projecting a 4.5-6% industry growth this year. The southern African nation is well endowed with natural resources, and its main prospects lie in mining and agriculture. It is also focusing on value addition to generate more revenue and create employment. AM CGTN.