adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Authorities in Matabeleland South Province have been challenged to conduct proper research and to craft the necessary economic development policies to lure investors. Bulawayo-based economist Mr Dumisani Sibanda said the province had vast economic and investment opportunities, which can be exploited for the development of the province in line with Government’s drive to push economic growth in specific areas under the devolution agenda.
Mr Sibanda said in most cases, good ideas folded because of lack of proper planning.
“We have, along with other business minds, met with the provincial leaders and we emphasised to them that they need to research and plan properly for the province to realise its economic development potential,” he said.
“There are known economic drivers in this province; these include agriculture, livestock production, mining, tourism and culture, transport and logistics, horticulture, natural resources, customs and forwarding, manufacturing and packing and car rental, among others.
“However, these may boost the economy aided by proper research on the market, policies and what needs to be done. We need to have a provincial committee with clear cut responsibilities on resource mobilisation, investment promotion and policy implementation.”
Mr Sibanda said livestock production and mining were the major economic drivers which were not fully exploited, adding that it was necessary to craft investment policies that attract investors.
“We have a situation where most people have livestock, but we haven’t created the market for either goats, sheep or cattle,” said Mr Sibanda. He proposed that small consortiums, dealing especially with specified products, could be formed. In the case of Beitbridge, Mr Sibanda said the area could leverage on its strength in goats rearing for its development.
But he said it was critical to empower people with skills and resources for the ventures to be successful. Mr Sibanda said Matabeleland South authorities should take advantage of Beitbridge’s proximity to South Africa, an economic giant in SADC and Africa, to create a dry port in the area.
He said the dry port will promote trade facilitation, at the same time generating the much needed revenue for infrastructure development and creating employment.
Mr Sibanda said it was also important for investors to look at beneficiation projects to add value to products for export markets.
He also said the province had a lot of underground water and many water bodies to boost agriculture development.
Online Reporter