Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MANICALAND is rapidly emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s key economic growth centres, with major infrastructure projects, rising investment and improved connectivity reshaping the province’s development landscape and creating fresh opportunities for trade, industry, tourism and agriculture.
At the heart of this transformation is a raft of strategic infrastructure projects, including the landmark Christmas Pass Bypass Road, which is expected to significantly enhance transport efficiency, improve access to markets and strengthen the province’s position as a key economic gateway.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the ongoing developments are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth while making the province increasingly attractive to investors.
His remarks were delivered on his behalf by the Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge, during the Public Service Commission Retirement Conference 2026 being held at the Mutare Sports Pavilion. The conference, which concludes today, is running under the theme: ‘Bridging the Gaps: Sustainable Retirement Solutions for Public Sector Workers’ and has drawn delegates from Zimbabwe and across the region, including Malawi, Angola, South Africa, Eswatini and Madagascar.
Minister Mugadza highlighted the remarkable progress being recorded across Manicaland, saying the province was benefiting from a broad-based development agenda.
“I am excited to acknowledge the enormous development and growth that continues to be registered across Manicaland. Infrastructure is being expanded, investment is growing, social services are being strengthened, digital connectivity is improving, and communities are increasingly participating in development,” he said. He described the Christmas Pass Bypass Road as one of several major infrastructure projects expected to unlock economic opportunities and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
The project comes as the Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s transport network and improve linkages between communities, production centres and markets.
Minister Mugadza said Manicaland’s strategic location gives it a unique advantage in Zimbabwe’s economic matrix.
“The province is strategically positioned as the gateway to the sea and to regional and international markets, making Manicaland a hub for trade, logistics and industrial development,” he said.
With its proximity to the Mozambican ports and regional transport corridors, Manicaland is increasingly viewed as a strategic bridge between Zimbabwe and international markets. The infrastructure drive is also stimulating private-sector confidence, with investors responding positively to the improving business environment. Minister Mugadza said the growing synergy between public infrastructure investment and private-sector participation was helping to expand economic activity, generate jobs and improve living standards.
“This creates a potentially powerful cycle for the province because improved infrastructure makes investment more attractive, while increased investment generates employment, expands the tax base and stimulates demand for more infrastructure and services,” he said.
The positive momentum, he added, was contributing to economic growth and improving GDP per capita, while broadening opportunities across key productive sectors.
Beyond its traditional strengths, Manicaland is also positioning itself as a destination for retirement investment, with opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism offering viable options for retiring public servants seeking sustainable income streams.
The issue resonated strongly with the objectives of the PSC Retirement Conference, which is exploring practical strategies to prepare public servants for life beyond formal employment.
Minister Mugadza urged retirees and serving civil servants to view retirement as a transition into new economic opportunities rather than an end to productive contribution.
“Public servants are not only bureaucrats, they are also innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, farmers and community builders, as can be seen by several successful projects that are currently being implemented by both serving and retired civil servants,” he said.
He noted that the province’s development trajectory is closely aligned with the Second Republic’s vision of accelerating infrastructure development, industrialisation and economic modernisation as Zimbabwe works towards achieving Vision 2030.
With improved transport networks, expanding digital infrastructure, growing investor confidence and abundant natural resources, Manicaland is increasingly positioning itself as a prime destination for business and investment.
“With improved connectivity, a strategic location, abundant agricultural resources, tourism potential and growing private-sector investment, the province has the ingredients to become a major economic hub,” said Minister Mugadza.
He added that the gains being realised across the province were being driven not only by Government interventions, but also by the commitment of citizens and stakeholders determined to contribute to national development.
He went on to commend President Mnangagwa’s leadership, saying it had provided the direction and confidence necessary for the province to continue pursuing its development targets.
