derick.khumalo
Patrick Chitumba
Midlands Bureau
THE Midlands Province is poised for a major investment boost after Chinese firm Fu-an Holdings Pvt Ltd unveiled plans for multi-million-dollar investments in energy, agriculture and infrastructure projects in the province.
Welcoming the investment initiative during an appreciation tour of project sites at Global Alloy on Friday, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, said the province remained open for business and ready to facilitate investments that contribute to economic growth and industrialisation.
The minister was addressing a delegation led by Shi Ping, chairman of Fu-an
Holdings, during a tour aimed at assessing sites earmarked for the company’s planned investments.
He said the visit followed preliminary multi-sectoral consultations designed to ensure a smooth and accelerated implementation of the projects.
“I am delighted to be accorded the befitting honour and privilege to welcome Fu-an Holdings Pvt Ltd Chairman Mr Shi Ping and his delegation on this momentous occasion of an appreciation tour of project sites identified for multi-million-dollar investments by the company,” said Minister Ncube.
He commended the strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and China under President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping, noting that bilateral ties had recently been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic cooperation.
“The relationship is grounded on the struggle against foreign domination, friendship, respect, trust and shared development aspirations and prosperity,” he said.
Minister Ncube said Midlands Province continues to position itself as a gateway for trade, tourism and investment from China, in line with the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy and Zimbabwe’s “friend to all and enemy to none” foreign policy approach.
He outlined progress already made towards unlocking the investments.
“Electricity was connected to the ferro-chrome plant on 13 April 2026. Land for setting up the coal-to-fertiliser plant at Sengwa was identified. Furthermore, raw water for operations will be sourced from the Sengwa and Sesami rivers, which have extensive catchment areas,” he said.
However, he recommended the construction of off-river dams to ensure uninterrupted water supplies for the planned industrial operations.
Minister Ncube said the investments align with President Mnangagwa’s heritage-based, private-sector-led model of innovation, modernisation and industrialisation under the devolution agenda and the policy of leaving no one and no place behind.
He noted that the proposed 70-megawatt thermal power station by Fu-an Holdings was in line with Government policy requiring heavy electricity consumers to establish captive power generation facilities by the end of this year.
Beyond the energy sector, he said Midlands Province offers investment opportunities in information and communication technology, roads, rail infrastructure, housing, border infrastructure and value addition in both mining and agriculture.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Your proposed coal-to-fertiliser plant has ripple effects on our GDP in general, and in particular strengthens the sector’s competitiveness and resilience against global shocks and other trade malpractices,” said Minister Ncube.
He added that Zimbabwe’s membership of the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa gives investors access to a market of approximately 1.6 billion people across Africa.
The minister said the projects demonstrate growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s investment climate.
“The province appreciates opportunities for job creation, technology transfer and infrastructure development arising from your mega investments. Thank you for supporting our desire to grow our economy and transform the livelihoods of our people through rural industrialisation,” he said.
Fu-an Holdings’ visit is expected to accelerate final approvals for the ferro-chrome and coal-to-fertiliser projects, with provincial authorities pledging full support under Government’s ease of doing business reforms and minimum service delivery standards.
