Chronicle Editor
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau
THE National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) is set to host the Midlands Provincial Development Dialogue beginning tomorrow, with the aim of creating a participatory framework that ensures inclusive socio-economic development in the province to contribute towards the achievement of Vision 2030 targets.
It runs until Friday under the theme, “Towards inclusive socio-economic transformation; Leaving no one and no place behind”. The Midlands dialogue is also aimed at ensuring increased awareness of the devolution and decentralisation agenda among stakeholders, identifying provincial developmental challenges, exploring investment opportunities in the province and finding local solutions to challenges.
In a concept note, the NECF said devolution and decentralisation were key focus areas for the Second Republic as enshrined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“This current economic blue-print pinpoints the Government of Zimbabwe’s focus on addressing regional inequalities, deepening local democracy and mass participation of citizens towards the national development agenda of achieving an upper-middle income economy by 2030,” reads the concept note.
“In this regard, the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), a public-private dialogue (PPD) convenor on socio-economic issues is contributing towards the achievement of these objectives through conducting provincial development dialogues among other initiatives.
“To ensure the effective implementation of the devolution and decentralisation policy, inclusivity and a participatory framework of different individuals, civic society, government ministries, departments, labour, and academia are required at all levels, including the provincial level.”
The Midlands province is a thriving economic hub that has a diverse and vibrant economy rooted in mining, agriculture and mineral beneficiation. It is home to 33 percent of Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke mineral belt, with an abundance of natural resources including gold, chrome, lithium, platinum and asbestos, which have been the driving forces behind its economic growth and development.
The mining sector in the province has been a key contributor to the country’s economic landscape, with major players such as Unki, Mimosa, Empress, Jena and Sengwa mines, leading the way.
Those mining operations have not only generated substantial revenue, but have also created numerous employment opportunities for the local population.
The establishment of players such as Dinson Iron and Steel Company, Zimasco and ZimAlloys, has set the tone for the country’s mineral beneficiation agenda, said the NECF.
Outside the mining industry, the NECF said the Midlands province also established itself as a major agricultural powerhouse. “The province is the largest producer of cotton in the country, and there is immense potential for value addition through the establishment of a vibrant textile industry.
“Additionally, the province boasts a diversified crop and animal production sector, with maize, cattle, and small grains being among the primary agricultural products.
“The presence of major rivers, such as Muzvezve, Gweru and Kwekwe, coupled with the availability of irrigation infrastructure, has further strengthened the province’s agricultural potential,” reads the concept note.
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