Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo ,Zimpapers Business Hub
Plans are underway to establish a local manufacturing plant for tractors and agro-equipment, a move expected to boost the country’s industrial sector, reduce the import bill, and create employment opportunities for locals.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, recently hosted a Belarus delegation led by Anatoliy Haikovich (AFTRADE) and Andrei Kleinov (BiSON Agro Machinery) to discuss spearheading this initiative.
The ministry confirmed that talks to establish a tractor assembly plant have been ongoing for some time.
“Plans are underway to set up a local manufacturing plant for tractors and agro-equipment,” reads a tweet from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s X handle.
“The project is set to leverage local steel production at Dinson (Manhize), strengthening value addition. It also offers huge opportunities for the private sector to tap into this industrialisation drive.
“This collaboration is another step towards building a self-sufficient and industrialised Zimbabwe under Vision 2030.”
Meanwhile, Dr Wushe visited Mobility Africa’s Masasa Assembly Plant, where the company produces electric scooters and tricycles.
The ministry said the tricycles are designed to meet the needs of rural communities, particularly women engaged in various projects, as they provide a popular, sustainable, and affordable transport solution that rural women are adopting to transport and trade goods with ease.
“Mobility Africa wants to expand. Dr Wushe spoke with the Mobility Africa team led by finance manager Ms. Christine Magodo, who told the Permanent Secretary that the plant can assemble four tricycles a day,” said the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
“They discussed tax incentives and other forms of competitiveness in order to improve production.”
Bongani Ndlovu