Andile Tshuma
Bulawayo Bureau
THE re-industrialisation drive being spearheaded by the Second Republic is beginning to yield fruit in Bulawayo, with investments in manufacturing and infrastructure expected to boost the city’s production, create jobs and expand the city’s access to regional markets.
The developments emerged during a tour of key projects by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda, who visited the ZITF Smart City Project, Fats and Feed Plant and Shumba Manufacturing to assess progress and their contribution to economic growth.
The investments reflect renewed efforts to strengthen Bulawayo’s industrial base and restore its position as a major manufacturing and commercial hub, while leveraging Zimbabwe’s regional trade opportunities under its chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Dr Soda said Government was committed to supporting businesses investing in critical infrastructure and expanding productive capacity.
“The ongoing projects are a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Bulawayo’s industrial base, promote value addition and create employment.
“Government remains committed to supporting investments that expand local production, stimulate economic activity and contribute to the country’s industrialisation agenda,” he said.
At the ZITF Smart City Project, the Minister was briefed on plans to transform the exhibition and business precinct into a modern commercial and investment destination.
ZITF chief executive Dr Nicholas Ndebele said the showgrounds retail centre, which is under construction, formed part of efforts to modernise Bulawayo’s infrastructure and create an enabling environment for business.
He said the project was expected to generate up to 1 500 jobs on completion, with more than 400 people already employed, a significant number of them locals.
“Bulawayo has a long history as an industrial and commercial centre, and initiatives such as the Smart City Project are important in positioning the city for the next phase of economic growth.
“We want to create infrastructure that responds to the needs of modern businesses, attracts investment and strengthens our capacity to host regional and international trade engagements,” said Dr Ndebele.
He said the project was also creating opportunities for women in a construction sector largely dominated by men, although he could not immediately provide figures for female employees.
The Minister also toured Fats and Feed Plant, where parent company Zimgold is undertaking a major investment expected to expand the company’s manufacturing capacity.
Fats and Feed manager Mr Zacharia Mupachiki said the new plant was expected to begin production by December this year.
“This investment is an important milestone for the company and for Bulawayo’s industrial development. We are working towards completing the plant so that production can begin by December.
“The project will expand our production capacity and contribute to employment creation and the growth of the local manufacturing sector,” he said.
Engineer Takudzwa Sithole, a director at InkDraughting, the contractor involved in the project, said local professionals and young people should benefit from opportunities created by major industrial investments.
He said the project was providing opportunities for young professionals to gain practical experience and demonstrate their capabilities in delivering large-scale developments.
“We have seen the importance of involving local young professionals and allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities in delivering major projects. This is our first time being part of a project of such magnitude right here in the city, and we are proud of the milestone,” said Eng Sithole.
At Shumba Manufacturing, Dr Soda heard how the company was leveraging the domestic policy environment to expand its operations and exports into regional markets.
Company representative Mr Alex Nyathi said the manufacturer was exporting agrochemicals to Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana, among other markets.
“The policy environment has been important in supporting local manufacturers. We are not only producing for the domestic market but are also taking our products beyond Zimbabwe’s borders,” he said.
“Our exports into other African markets demonstrate the potential of local industry to compete regionally when businesses receive the necessary support and operate in an enabling environment.”
Mr Nyathi said the group had also expanded its marketing and distribution network into strategic markets in East and West Africa, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Ghana.
Permanent Secretary for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Paul Nyoni said the city’s industrial heritage, infrastructure and geographical position gave it an important role in Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“Bulawayo is strategically positioned to support national economic growth and regional trade. Its industrial base, infrastructure and proximity to regional markets give it an advantage. We must build on these strengths by attracting investment, supporting existing businesses and creating opportunities for new industries to emerge,” he said.
Dr Soda said Government remained deliberate about re-industrialisation, with emphasis on ensuring that investments translated into increased production, employment and economic growth.
“Government is intentional about re-industrialisation. We want to see our industries operating, expanding production, creating employment and contributing meaningfully to the economy. These projects demonstrate the importance of implementing policies that support investment and strengthen our productive sectors,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship presents opportunities to deepen regional economic cooperation, increase market access for locally manufactured products and attract investment.
Bulawayo’s industrial capacity and proximity to regional markets could position the city to benefit from expanded trade and business partnerships.
