Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
BUY Zimbabwe, a leading local industry advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of local production and consumption, has applauded the Government for the decision to ban the export of raw minerals including lithium concentrate.
This move announced by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Polite Kambamura this Wednesday, is a significant step towards harnessing the country’s vast mineral resources for the benefit of its citizens and the national economy.
Lithium is a critical mineral in the global transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles. Zimbabwe is endowed with substantial lithium reserves. It is Africa’s top producer and ranks sixth in the world.
Buy Zimbabwe Advocacy Officer, Mr Elvis Masvaure said the development will enhance local value addition and the creation of jobs.
“The prohibition of the export of raw minerals by the government is a proactive stance to ensure that valuable resources are processed locally, fostering industrial growth, creating jobs and enhancing the value of Zimbabwe’s exports,” he said.
Mr Masvaure added that the ban aligns with Buy Zimbabwe’s mission to promote local value addition and beneficiation which are essential for sustainable economic development under NDS 2.
“This policy will encourage investment in local processing facilities, stimulate innovation and ultimately lead to the creation of a robust mining industry that can compete on the global stage,” he added.
Economic analyst Professor Gift Mugano is in support of the decision by the government.
“The move is a step in the right direction as the value of the local resources will increase before exportation. The moment we export value added minerals, the value becomes five to ten times fold. In the process we will boost job creation through the construction of value addition plants,” he said.
Last year Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$ 9,7 billion, while imports stood at US$10.1 billion. Top 10 mineral exports amounted to US $ 7.6 billion. The country recorded a trade surplus of US $ 240 million in December last year. To build on that stellar performance. Buy Zimbabwe is organising the Buy Local Conference on the 26th of March 2026, to galvanise efforts towards sustaining a positive trade surplus. The event will discuss on the policy frameworks and measures to be taken to enhance local production and increase exports.
