Online Reporter
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) is hosting a Doing Business in Matabeleland breakfast meeting.
The cross-sector conversation, which is being held at a local hotel in Bulawayo, will highlight industrial growth in Matabeleland.
The public-private engagement on regional industrial development will focus on leather, textile, steel and FMCG.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu is set to deliver a keynote address at the event.
Zimpapers Business Hub reporter, Judith Phiri is attending the meeting and will give us live updates.
Meeting to boost industrial growth in Matabeleland
The Doing Business in Matabeleland breakfast meeting is expected to build synergies between the Government and private sector as they work towards sustainable development in the Matabeleland region.
Giving welcome remarks at the meeting, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Matabeleland Chapter president, Mr Stephen Ncube said Matabeleland boasts a diverse industrial landscape, with key sectors including mining, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, with Bulawayo playing a crucial role as an industrial hub.
The cross-sector conversation will highlight industrial growth in Matabeleland. The public-private engagement on regional industrial development will focus on leather, textile, steel and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
Bulawayo’s re-industrialisation focus gathering monentum in line with Vision 2030.
In a speech read on her behalf by Mrs Boetsoarelo Noko, Director of Provincial Coordination in the office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube said the city’s re-industrialisation focus was gathering monentum in line with Vision 2030.
She said the Doing Business in Matabeleland breakfast meeting came at a time the city was preparing for the ZITF 2025, calling for all sectors full participation.
The Minister said the trade fair will showcase Zimbabwe’s economic potential and attracting international exhibitors and investors.
Meanwhile, she also commended the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan for the period 2024-2025.
She said the initiative that aims to enhance the domestic economy by promoting the procurement of locally produced goods, was critical for Matabeleland region and the country as a whole.
Minister Ndlovu urges local businesses to lead at ZITF 2025
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
In his keynote address at the Doing Business in Matabeleland breakfast meeting, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu, said the meeting arose from a desire to engage Bulawayo and Matabeleland ahead of ZITF 2025.
He said local businesses should take centre stage at ZITF and lead in showcasing their products and services.
The Minister added that the event was expanded to provide an update on the current business environment in Matabeleland.
He said the launch of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024–2025) aimed to align the new iteration of the Industrial Development Policy with the upcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) (2026–2030).
Minister Ndlovu stated that the country was progressing on its industrialisation journey in line with Vision 2030.
He said that by the end of the year, they would report progress made under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan in preparation for the launch of NDS2.
The Minister reaffirmed his Ministry’s dedication to implementing President Mnangagwa’s directive to enhance the ease of doing business, ensuring competitiveness and driving sustainable economic growth.
“Registration for business should be simplified. The issue of electronic transactions—we have made progress, but the central bank is seized with this.”
On consumer protection, he said they were enforcing legislation while safeguarding against the harmful effects of smuggled, counterfeit, and substandard goods.
Minister Ndlovu, however, called on businesses to act fairly and comply with laws, including those enforced by ZIMRA, PRAZ, and other authorities.
Regarding smuggling and business malpractices, he said the Government was resolutely committed to intensifying its crackdown.
“This is done to protect our vital local industries, create a level playing field for fair competition, and ensure consumer protection. The Taskforce on Smuggling and Business Malpractices has registered significant progress across all provinces,” he added.
“As of to date, inspections stand at 1,907, prosecutions at 137, compliance notices at 247, and 3,987 units of products have been seized.”
The Minister noted that these efforts had led to improved sales and shelf occupancy of locally produced goods.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and ultimately more prosperous industrial and commercial sector for Zimbabwe—and specifically for this vital Matabeleland region.”
The event was hosted by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).
The cross-sector discussion aimed to highlight industrial growth in Matabeleland, focusing on leather, textiles, steel, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in a public-private engagement on regional industrial development.
