Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike in UMGUZA
VALUE addition and beneficiation, along with Treasury’s commitment to fund infrastructure investment and development are yielding positive results for Matabeleland North Province.
The province recorded a GDP growth rate of 9,7 percent last year, significantly surpassing the national average of 1,7 percent.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Godfrey Mukwakwami, attributed the province’s growth to increased investments in mining, manufacturing, tourism and energy production.
He made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) yesterday, which is touring the province as part of its targeted review process on economic governance and management.
The APRM delegation is led by Ambassador Aly El Hefny, APRM Continental Chairperson of Eminent Persons and includes other notable figures such as Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, interim chief executive officer Mrs Rofina Chikava and Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services chief director and APRM Zimbabwe national governing council steering committee member Mr Jonathan Gandari.
Said Mr Mukwakwami: “We had a GDP growth rate of 9,7 against a national average of 1,7 percent, and some provinces even experienced negative growth. “Our growth is primarily a result of increased investments in mining. Manufacturing is also recovering; it had declined in the past but is now improving, particularly due to His Excellency’s emphasis on value adding our products before exporting.”
Mr Mukwakwami highlighted investments in processing coal to coke, cement and lithium, noting that although there has been progress, more investment is needed.
In addition, he pointed out that tourism plays a significant role in job creation.
Mr Mukwakwami credited sound economic governance, particularly from the central bank, as a key factor in the province’s growth.
“Good economic governance encompasses monetary and fiscal policy. The central bank has done well in managing the new currency, the ZiG, which faced initial challenges but has stabilised under their intervention,” he said.
Ambassador Chimbindi stressed the importance of prioritising local production to strengthen the economy and reminded residents of Matabeleland North of their potential contributions to national development.
“Improving lives means ensuring basic needs are met—food, shelter, water, health, and infrastructure,” he said.
Ambassador Chimbindi urged the community to leverage their abundant natural resources and human capital for development, stating that the country’s agenda could only succeed if resources are used effectively.
“Zimbabwe must prioritise local production to strengthen the domestic economy, create jobs, and enhance our capacity for international trade.
“We have the flora, land, water, minerals, and human potential to achieve this,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s engagement with the APRM began in February 2020 when President Mnangagwa accepted membership, showcasing his commitment to democracy and good governance.
Ambassador Chimbindi noted: “This decision reflects the President’s constitutionalist philosophy, embracing transparency and inclusivity.”
