Leveraging Intelligence for Economic Transformation: The Role of National Intelligence Agencies in Fostering Gross Capital Formation

This study examines the role of national intelligence agencies in fostering gross capital formation in Zimbabwe, with the aim of understanding how intelligence functions can support economic transformation. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, the research integrates a PRISMA-guided systematic literature review with a three-round Delphi study involving 18 experts from intelligence, economic policy, and investment sectors. Findings reveal that intelligence agencies, traditionally viewed as security-focused, possess untapped potential to enhance investment outcomes through macroeconomic risk forecasting, monitoring trade and geopolitical developments, aligning industrial and infrastructure planning, and detecting illicit financial flows. The study contributes theoretically by extending institutional economics and strategic foresight frameworks to include intelligence as a mechanism for reducing uncertainty and improving policy effectiveness. Practically, it highlights pathways for operationalising intelligence functions to strengthen investor confidence and guide economic policymaking. Limitations include the small Delphi panel and lack of direct empirical measurement of capital formation outcomes, suggesting opportunities for future research to quantify the impact of intelligence-informed interventions. Overall, the study provides both conceptual and actionable insights for enhancing economic governance and investment climates in Zimbabwe and similar contexts.