Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Insiza Industrial Expo must go beyond showcasing businesses and become a platform that connects grassroots enterprises and primary producers with industrial processors, financiers and markets to unlock real economic opportunities, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe has said.
Speaking during the official opening of the fourth edition of the Insiza Industrial Expo at Filabusi Grounds, Minister Nguluvhe said stronger collaboration across sectors was needed to create jobs, raise household incomes and accelerate industrialisation in the district and province.
The expo, which ran from September 16 to 18 under the theme “Connect, Collaborate, Grow,” brought together businesses and stakeholders as part of efforts to promote local economic development.
Minister Nguluvhe said the theme was a call to action for Government, the private sector and communities to work together to position Insiza as an industrial and investment hub.
“Connection is the genesis of commerce. A platform such as this industrial expo must bridge the gap between local enterprise and provincial markets, link primary producers to industrial processors and expose our youths to real economic opportunities,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said meaningful collaboration among farmers, miners, commercial lenders and local authorities could unlock joint ventures and value-chain innovations.
“It is through collaboration that we grow our employment numbers, widen our tax base, elevate household incomes, and industrialise Insiza District,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe challenged exhibitors to turn participation at the expo into tangible business opportunities by negotiating supply contracts, initiating joint ventures, securing investment and establishing bankable market linkages.
He also urged farmers to embrace a more commercial approach to agriculture, moving away from the traditional “grow and sell” mindset towards “grow to sell.”
“Farmers must understand market requirements, the required quality, volume, and timing before putting seed to soil,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said the same principle should apply to the extractive sector, given Insiza’s mineral wealth.
“Resource extraction must walk hand-in-hand with environmental rehabilitation, local value addition, and demonstrable corporate social responsibility. We expect our mining companies to partner with the community in upgrading schools, health facilities, water points, and local infrastructure,” he said.
Insiza Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Shepherd Tshuma said the expo had become an important driver of local economic growth and a practical expression of the Government’s devolution agenda, which places communities at the centre of planning, investment and development.
He said the expo had recorded steady growth since its launch in 2023, with the number of exhibitors and sectors represented increasing each year.
Mr Tshuma urged investors to explore opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, mining and mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, tourism, innovation, skills development and housing.
“This is a strategic platform for promoting value chains and linkages across different business sectors to empower communities and boost economic development. Under our theme ‘connect, collaborate, grow’, we are inviting investors to tap into opportunities across various sectors,” he said.
Mr Tshuma said Insiza had the resources required to support agro-processing and manufacturing, but needed investment in local processing infrastructure.
“We have land, water from dams, and livestock and a growing poultry sector. We need abattoirs, feed mills and packaging plants right here in Filabusi. Insiza is rich in gold, chrome, and lithium,” he said.
Mr Tshuma called for investment in mineral processing plants as opposed to exporting raw minerals.
“Under manufacturing we are calling for value addition in order to create jobs for our youths,” he said.
Mr Tshuma said the district also had untapped eco-tourism potential while the rapid population growth in Filabusi and Shangani was creating opportunities for investment in housing and related infrastructure.
He said land was being made available for residential and business development in the planned townships of Bekezela, Annadale Park, Accadia and Malinga Rise.
Mr Tshuma urged investors to partner with council and take advantage of the opportunities available in the district, in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosphy: “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/nyika inovakwa nevenhe vayo.”
