How local enterprise development at Manhize is building a stronger economy

For Engineer Munashe Chihambakwe (27), working at the Disco Manhize Steel Plant, the Local Enterprise Development (LED) concept has proven to be a remarkable catalyst for positive change, empowering him and fellow community members.

The Manhize Steel Plant is one of the Tsingshan Group of China’s mining projects in Zimbabwe.
The investor is one of the biggest in the country with various other projects such as Afrochine Smelting (Pvt) Ltd in Selous, Mashonaland West, which is into chrome smelting, and Dinson Colliery (Pvt) Ltd in Hwange, Matabeleland North, which is into coke production.

All these projects are interlinked as ferrochrome and coke are required in steel production.
Other products that the company will eventually produce include pipes, bolts and nuts, smaller slags, rolled tubes, fences, shafts and wires.

The company commenced operations last year, initially producing pig iron and now has expanded its production line to include rebars, with a target output of 600 000 tonnes of steel products in its first phase.

**Eng Chihambakwe being introduced to President Mnangagwa at Disco Manhize Steel Plant**

Disco, part of the Dinson Industrial Group, adopted the LED concept following the establishment of the steel rolling mill to proactively promote participation and capacitate local players in the carbon steel value chain.

Dinson Industrial Group, within its operations, defines LED through its objective, which is to promote local economic development by promoting local content consumption in the supply chain and participation in the value chain, by capacitating local enterprises, thereby economically substituting importation and increasing exportation.

The programme also seeks to socially improve the livelihoods of communities and environmentally reduce environmental waste emission, alternatively contributing towards industrialisation, in adherence with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP).

A mechanical design, automation and manufacturing Engineer by profession, who holds a Master’s in International Public Administration, Eng Chihambakwe attained his qualifications in China.

Brought up in Redcliff by a father who was a former employee of Ziscosteel Company, and a mother who was a Maths tutor at Rutendo High School, where he did his Ordinary and Advanced levels before going to China, Eng Chihambakwe said his background shaped his view of industrialisation.

“The short history above shaped my view of industrialisation. After finishing my Master’s, I wanted to participate in the development of the country,” he said.

Upon his return from China, Eng Chihambakwe got a job at Dinson Iron and Steel as a translator in the Administration Department.

“I did my due diligence in the portfolio, which landed me being promoted to become one of the local engineers attached to Nssa factories, working as the responsible person for the Power Plant,” he said.
Eng Chihambakwe said that through LED, he also participated in the construction projects of different units at the steel plant for more than a year, where he was exposed to a lot of training from Chinese experts.

He said he was promoted to the headquarters, where he is now the manager of the LED.
“Aligning with the plans of Zimbabwe becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030, as Dinson LED, our vision is to be one of the key drivers towards the industrialisation of the nation through the empowerment of local enterprises. Zimbabwe now has steel and steel is the backbone of a vibrant manufacturing sector, a pillar in the construction industry, facilitator in the agriculture industry, key material in the tooling industry — the list goes on,” he said.

Eng Chihambakwe said to focus on key deliverables towards the industrialisation of the country, LED identified a gap in the fuel of industrialisation, which is power.

“From the data collected, there are several prospects in the power generation industry in Zimbabwe. However, the window appears in the evacuation of power from generating sources to consumers. When you trace the material used in the transmission and distribution industry, most of it is steel in the form of steel sections, bolts and nuts, wire, etc, which translates to a gap in the value chain of steel. Hence, the LED set its focus on partnering with identified local companies to participate in the Transmission Industry value chain.

“The ball is already rolling, and we expect to deliver next year in 2026. The immediate beneficiaries of this process are identified local enterprises, the community around the Manhize area, and Zimbabwe as a whole. The project is expected to create employment, reduce the importation of transmission and distribution towers and promote skills transfer to locals,” he said.

Disco public relations manager, Mr Joseph Shoko weighed in, saying with initiatives like LED and skills transfer programmes, the company is shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s youth and contributing to the country’s industrialisation efforts.

“Engineer Chihambakwe is a shining example of the company’s commitment to nurturing youth talent and promoting skills transfer and development. He joined Dinson Industrial Group and was attached to Chinese engineers, where he quickly proved himself to be a valuable asset to the company. His first assignment as the responsible person for a power plant, a requirement by Nssa, was a testament to his capabilities,” he said.

Under the guidance of Chinese engineers, Eng Chihambakwe performed exceptionally well, demonstrating his potential and dedication to his work, said Mr Shoko.

“Engineer Chihambakwe’s outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated for the Under 40 Project Managers Award. This recognition is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Mr Shoko.

“With its commitment to skills transfer and development, the company is shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s youth and contributing to the country’s industrialisation efforts. As Eng Chihambakwe’s story demonstrates, the company’s initiatives are yielding positive results, and its dedication to nurturing talent will continue to drive progress and innovation in the years to come, “ he said.

Disco managing director Mr Benson Xu said at Dinson Industrial Group, nurturing youth talent is a top priority.
“The company currently has over 50 graduate engineers understudying Chinese expatriates, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and skills transfer. Most employees under 30 years old receive training at the company, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers,” he said.

Mr Xu said Dinson Industrial Group is also engaging authorities responsible for training to facilitate trade testing for a significant number of employees, who have become semi-skilled.

“This initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to promoting skills development and recognising the achievements of its employees. As manager of LED at Dinson Industrial Group, Eng Chihambakwe plays a crucial role in driving industrialisation through the empowerment of local enterprises. With a focus on partnership, innovation and skills transfer, the company’s LED initiative is poised to make a meaningful impact on the country’s economic development,” he said.