Government hosts inaugural industrialisation indaba at ZITF

THE Ministry of Industry and Commerce is hosting the inaugural Industrialisation and Economic Empowerment Indaba on the sidelines of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which kicks off today in Bulawayo.

The event, being held in collaboration with Government partners at the Zimbabwe Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), will focus on accelerating rural industrialisation through value addition, investment promotion and inclusive economic growth.

Running under the theme “From Policy to Production: Leveraging Economic Empowerment for Accelerated Rural Industrialisation,” the indaba provides a platform for stakeholders to craft practical solutions aimed at empowering rural communities and strengthening Zimbabwe’s industrial base.

Key speakers include Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, Minister of Lands and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa and Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo.

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) chief executive officer Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo is expected to present on investment opportunities in rural economies, while Transvaal Africa (Private) Limited CEO Engineer Patson Moyo will focus on value chain promotion for sustainable livelihoods.

The programme features sessions on scaling district economies into global value chains, redefining rural industrial landscapes through industrial anchors, leveraging local content policies and strengthening market linkages and financial inclusion for rural enterprises.

Panel discussions will explore building ecosystems for rural industrial transformation, de-risking rural investment through integrated value chains, strategic procurement as a driver of rural manufacturing, and bridging financing gaps for rural industries seeking access to international markets.

More to follow…