‘2022 was a good year in terms of development’

Midlands Bureau Chief

THE year 2022 is ending on a high note for the Midlands province following the implementation of key infrastructure projects by the Second Republic in partnership with the private sector.

President Mnangagwa this year opened the US$1 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhinze and also commissioned equipment at three companies in Gweru as part of the country’s modernisation and industrialisation process in line with the country’s economic trajectory.

The development comes on the backdrop of rapid industrialisation and capacity utilisation in the country buoyed by investor confidence in Zimbabwe and robust commitment to macro-economic and governance reforms by President Mnangagwa’s administration.

In the past few years, capacity utilisation has grown significantly across all productive sectors with the manufacturing sector contribution to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) increasing from 15,7 percent in 2019 to 18,4 percent in 2021. 

Developing a robust domestic manufacturing sector is one of the top priorities under the National Development Strategy (NDS1-2021-2025), which builds momentum towards the attainment of President Mnangagwa’s vision of an upper-middle-income status by 2030. 

The World Bank classifies a middle-income economy as one with a gross national income of between US$1 005 and US$12  235 per capita.

Under this thrust, Zimbabwe is pushing a comprehensive industrialisation agenda anchored on moving the economy up the value chains in order to realise structural transformation.

The once-struggling Bata Shoe Company is now up and running, exporting its products to South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.

Sino Zimbabwe, the giant cement and brick-producing company has in the past three years invested millions in technology and revamped production after employing environmentally friendly technology that reduces emissions and air pollution.

Yeast manufacturer Lesaffre Zimbabwe also invested into a state-of-the-art equipment to boost production. 

In an interview on the sidelines of his inaugural Christmas dinner dance ceremony in Gweru on Friday night, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima said the year 2022 was good in terms of investment opportunities for the province. 

“President Mnangagwa is walking the talk. We have been witnessing more production and more people being employed at these companies and Vision 2030 is surely on course. As a province, we are playing our part in terms of contributing to the country’s GDP,” he said.

“We are proud as a province for the great strides made by the business sector in terms of complementing and implementing the President’s vision.”

Minister Mavima said this year alone, President Mnangagwa commissioned several multi-million dollar projects that are expected to boost the country’s economic growth prospects, as international investors continue to heed his call that Zimbabwe is Open for Business.

“During the course of the year, President Mnangagwa visited our province and commissioned the Manhinze Steel Plant that will see thousands of people being employed. He also commissioned plants and equipment at Bata Shoe Company, Sino Zimbabwe and Lesaffre Zimbabwe,” he said.

“The year 2022 has been good to the province and we are looking at more investment opportunities come 2023 and beyond.”

Minister Mavima said the Government is working with a private company that will provide an investment atlas to lure potential investors wishing to invest in the Midlands province.

“The investment atlas will not only be offered to outside investors but also local potential investors from within the Midlands province,” he said. 

The event, which was held to raise money for the underprivileged, received an overwhelming response as various stakeholders in the Midlands province turned out in their numbers.

Over five institutions accommodating underprivileged people are set to benefit from the Christmas dinner dance proceeds.

Minister Mavima said: “We follow the footsteps of our leaders. We are guided by the direction being spearheaded by the First Lady through her philanthropic works.”

The minister said they are targeting institutions that are involved in the rehabilitation of youths abusing drugs. The Christmas dinner dance presented the businesspeople with an opportunity to interact and share ideas on the ease of doing business in the province.

Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs provincial chairman for the Midlands, Mr Bigboy Murenga said: “We got a chance to learn from those who are established. It’s been an honour to also interact with the minister and share with him our challenges as we try to grow our businesses.”

Mr Joseph Shoko of Dinson Iron and Steel Company said it is critical for businesses to come on board and help the communities as part of ploughing back. Sables Chemicals spokesperson Mr Munyaradzi Mandishona commended the minister for the initiative.

“We are here to support the President’s vision as he always says nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. The less-privileged have a role to play in national development, and can only do this through our assistance,” he said.

“We also managed to network and share ideas on how we can develop our nation. It can only be us who can develop our country.”