Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
THE Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill has emerged as a key talking point at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, with stakeholders linking the proposed changes to the country’s economic trajectory and investment outlook.
Discussions around the Bill have featured prominently on the sidelines of the premier trade showcase, which is being held under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”, as business leaders, policymakers and diplomats converge to explore Zimbabwe’s economic prospects.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ZITF 2026 Welcome Cocktail hosted in partnership with the British Embassy on Tuesday evening, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Pete Vowles, said the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill remains a domestic matter for Zimbabweans.
He reiterated that the direction of the country’s supreme law rests solely in the hands of its citizens. “This is a sovereign issue for Zimbabwe. It’s a matter for the country and for Zimbabweans to decide. From any perspective, this remains very much an internal Zimbabwean issue for the people of this nation to determine,” said Amb Vowles.
His remarks come at a time when the Bill is attracting widespread attention across political and economic platforms, including at ZITF, where the intersection of governance and economic development is under
Meanwhile, at the Zanu-PF pavilion, which has seen high traffic from business delegates and the public, the party’s Director for Information and Publicity, Cde Farai Marapira, linked the Bill to the “vibrancy” and “oversubscribed” nature of this year’s trade fair.
He said the proposed amendments are designed to consolidate the country’s economic gains and sustain growth momentum.
“Well, Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is a bill that is speaking to the economic progress that we’re having, and it’s looking at consolidating these economic changes that are so positive that have come under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” he said.
Cde Marapira pointed to the high level of participation at this year’s ZITF as evidence of a growing and vibrant economy.
“Here at the trade fair, you can see that there are a lot of new businesses, it’s oversubscribed. This shows the vibrancy of business that has been ushered in by the leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Cde Marapira said the Bill seeks to create a stable policy environment that supports business growth and investor confidence.
“In the context of the trade fair, we’re looking at further consolidating all these businesses that are here, creating a more conducive environment for growth. This is what we’re looking at as a party,” he added.
Cde Marapira added that the proposed changes would help sustain economic progress over the long term.
“We’re looking at more companies coming in and a more vibrant economy growing as we go forward, especially with the seven years, which means that there will be seven years of economic stability and economic progress,” he said.
According to Cde Marapira, the party’s target is to ensure a conducive environment that guarantees even higher turnout and economic growth in subsequent years.
As debate around Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill continues, its prominence at ZITF underscores the close link between governance frameworks and economic development, with stakeholders viewing policy consistency and stability as critical drivers for investment and industrial growth.
Ends CKD PN
