Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MANICALAND is actively seeking investment in various sectors, including value-addition in dairy and horticulture, ethanol production, tourism, infrastructure development and expanding its irrigation systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion for Manicaland, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya on Wednesday, said the province offers an attractive destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) – a niche tourism sector that involves hosting large events such as conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.
Mr Rubaya highlighted Manicaland’s unique advantages, including its natural resources, agricultural productivity, and existing infrastructure, and emphasised the need for investors to capitalise on these opportunities as the province is ready to accommodate new projects and partnerships.
His comments come as Manicaland seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on traditional industries. By attracting investment in value-addition and other sectors, the province aims to create new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its residents.
“Our major challenge is lack of adequate facilities to attract large events of international calibre. Whenever we host a large event in the province, we are forced to erect tents, which is a costly and temporary solution.
“Manicaland requires a convention centre, and once we have one, we believe most MICE events will be drawn to the region. A convention centre is a large, modern facility capable of hosting multiple events or large conferences.
“A prime example is the Durban Convention Centre, which is comparable in size to Sakubva Stadium, and can accommodate up to 5 000 people, featuring amenities such as canteens, halls, and theatres.
“Fortunately, Rusape Town Council and Mutare Rural District Council have already offered land for such a project. Additionally, we are confident that City of Mutare will also provide land for this kind of investment.
“With a convention centre in place, our tourism potential will be unlocked, leading to increased income and property value, and establishing Manicaland as a premier tourism and trade hub,” said Mr Rubaya, adding that while inquiries have been made, they lacked concrete commitments.
Mr Rubaya also stated that the province has numerous dams that are largely underutilised, both in terms of irrigation and tourism.
“We have many dams with potential for tourism and irrigation that are underutilised.
“For example, there is not a single dam with boats in the province. We have no meaningful tourism products around these impressive water bodies, and whatever is available is basic,” he said.
Regarding value addition, Mr Rubaya said the province boasts several value chains that require comprehensive support.
“Investors must invest in the entire value chain to ensure consistency, standard, and quality of produce. If we invest throughout the value chain, then we can unlock our full potential. We need to grow for the industry, which requires very strong agronomic practices, from inputs to monitoring, harvesting, post-harvesting, and use. Quality control and disease control should be non-negotiable,” said Mr Rubaya.
He said the province is currently developing a coffee value addition strategic plan for 2026 to 2030.
Currently, coffee value addition is done up to the roasting stage, with grinding, milling, and packaging being done through Nespresso.
Coffee production is currently below 6 800 metric tonnes, against a potential of 15 000 metric tonnes per year.
Mr Rubaya also identified the dairy value chain as a low-hanging fruit for Manicaland, requiring investment.
He said the industry is currently producing 800 000 litres per year, with potential to produce two million litres.
He said ethanol production is on the rise, moving from 120 million litres to 150 million litres per year, and now targeting 300 million litres per year.
“About 13 000 hectares are producing the current 150 million litres, and we have up to 40 000 hectares that can be turned into sugarcane production.
It means we can produce even more. We also have macadamia – we are only doing grading and exporting, and the thrust should be to make macadamia cosmetics and hard wood.
“The timber value chain is in a crisis because we are utilising only 38 percent, and the rest is going to waste, either rooting or being used as firewood. We are also in a student accommodation crisis as a province.
“Our student population is more than 5 000, yet accommodation available at these institutions cannot cover half of the students. We need a five-star student accommodation hostel to cater for the rising demand,” said Mr Rubaya.
