Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe is Open for Business Mantra is a call on all sectors of the economy to boost their operations and contribute to economic growth, Zanu PF Senator for Chitungwiza Dr Obadiah Moyo, has said.
Speaking at an arts empowerment workshop at Chitungwiza Arts Centre at the weekend, Dr Moyo said the Second Republic was determined to ensure economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural development.
“His Excellency (President Mnangagwa)’s mantra, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’, is more than just a slogan — it is a national call to action,” he said.
“It invites all sectors, including the creative and cultural industries, to rise, to thrive, and to contribute meaningfully to our economy. ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’.
“This gathering is not just a meeting of artists; it is a convergence of minds, of passion and possibility.”
The seminar was born out of a shared vision of uplifting the arts sector and empowering local creatives to become cultural ambassadors and economic contributors.
A former chief executive officer of Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Dr Moyo said he witnessed first-hand the “immense talent and creativity that flows from this community”.
“I also saw the untapped potential of our artists — men and women who, with the right support and tools, could transform their passion into sustainable livelihoods and even exportable brands,” he said.
“To our talented sculptors, painters and craftsmen and women gathered here today — I want to say this: You are not just artists, you are entrepreneurs. You are exporters. You are builders of Zimbabwe’s economic future.
“Your work speaks volumes around the world. Our stone sculptures sit in galleries from Berlin to Beijing, and they command international respect. But for this success to grow, we must see ourselves not only as creators of beauty, but as drivers of value. Art is business. Art is trade. Art is impact.”
Dr Moyo added that sculptors, through their work, are telling the true Zimbabwean story, its identity and aspirations.
Zimbabweans are proud of their cultures and heritage, he added, calling for the need to build platforms and networks that allow communities to invest in local talent.
EcoBank head of wealth creation, Ms Mutsawashe Tsomondo, said the arts sector has the potential to contribute to national economic growth.
This workshop was born out of the idea to uplift the arts sector and empower our local creatives to become both cultural ambassadors and economic contributors, she said.
Chairman of the Chitungwiza Art Centre, Mr Tendai Gwaravaza, said artists needed to shift to newer marketing strategies associated with the digital era to grow sales.
“There is need to think big today. We should not limit our dreams to a single buyer or a single market. Yes, the international markets are key, but so too is the local market. We need to use modern trends such as digital marketing platforms,” he said.
