Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
INDUSTRY and Commerce Ministed Nqobizitha Ndlovu has tabled a bold proposal for the establishment of a COMESA Circular Economy Fund to finance cleaner production and green industries across the region.
Minister Ndlovu made the proposal on Monday while delivering remarks at the Green Industries Connect Conference at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The conference marked the official kick-off of the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit, being held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”.
Posting on his social media pages, Minister Ndlovu said the proposed fund would be a game-changer.
“I therefore propose and urge COMESA to explore the establishment of a COMESA Circular Economy Fund to support viable enterprises investing in cleaner production, energy-efficient equipment, recycling infrastructure and the conversion of waste into productive inputs. Such a facility would require careful design, sustainable financing and transparent eligibility criteria to ensure that resources are directed towards commercially sound projects with measurable industrial and environmental benefits.
“As Zimbabwe assumes its COMESA Chairmanship, we stand ready to work with Member States, the COMESA Secretariat and the private sector to strengthen implementation of our shared industrialisation commitments,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said green industrialisation is no longer an option but a strategic imperative for the COMESA region if it is to achieve long-term competitiveness, resilience and inclusive growth.
“I strongly believe that the Green Industries Connect Conference comes at a defining moment for our region, as we intensify efforts to expand manufacturing, mobilise investment, strengthen regional value chains and create sustainable employment. I urge delegates from all Member States to transform deliberations beyond commitments. The goal is to translate our shared industrialisation ambitions into concrete outcomes that deliver value to our economies and tangible benefits to our people.
“As the Minister responsible for Industry and Commerce, I can assure you that my Ministry is pursuing an industrialisation pathway that maximises domestic value addition, strengthens local production, expands exports and creates decent jobs, while promoting the efficient use of energy, water and raw materials. Having said the above, allow me to reiterate that sustainable industrialisation is not separate from industrial growth; it is an essential condition for long-term competitiveness, resilience and productivity,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu revealed that Zimbabwe is already walking the talk, with Government working with the Climate Technology Centre and Network on a National Decarbonisation Roadmap for the cement sector, while opportunities also exist in iron and steel, mineral processing and other manufacturing industries.
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