Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has called for the establishment of industrial parks across Matabeleland South to unlock investment opportunities, create jobs and grow the provincial Gross Domestic Product.
Speaking at the ongoing high-level business breakfast meeting in Beitbridge, Acting Deputy Director for Matabeleland South, Ms Lavender Ncube, said the province must leverage its strategic advantages to drive industrialisation and local economic development.
The breakfast meeting is being hosted by the Matabeleland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe, in partnership with Beitbridge Municipality and Beitbridge Rural District Council.
Ms Ncube said the Government has reserved 21 sectors for Zimbabweans, which locals should take advantage of to build the economy, create employment and strengthen value chains.
She said there are 21 reserved sectors which Zimbabweans can ride on to build the economy, create jobs and grow the province’s GDP.
Ms Ncube said Beitbridge stands to benefit significantly from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly through its rules of origin and zero tariff provisions.
“For Beitbridge, the AfCFTA is an advantage for them considering the rules of origin and zero tariff provisions,” said Ms Ncube.
She said the development of industrial parks would provide affordable working spaces for small to medium enterprises, enhance productivity and attract both domestic and foreign direct investment into the province.
Ms Ncube urged local authorities, the private sector and entrepreneurs to collaborate in identifying land and developing infrastructure for industrial parks, especially along strategic corridors such as Beitbridge.
She said industrialisation is key to achieving Vision 2030 and to ensuring that Matabeleland South contributes meaningfully to national economic growth through manufacturing, value addition and export-led growth.
The business breakfast has brought together Government officials, business leaders, SMEs and exhibitors to discuss partnerships, investment opportunities and inclusive growth in Beitbridge District.
