Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza is leading a high-level delegation to Kigali, Rwanda, on a benchmarking and learning visit aimed at drawing lessons from the successful establishment and operation of the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) to inform the implementation of the Fernhill Special Economic Zone (FSEZ) in Mutare.
The visit, which focuses on urban environmental management practices and special economic zones, is part of Government’s efforts to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with a targeted Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of between US$4 000 and US$12 000.
The Manicaland delegation aims to gather insights into Rwanda’s successful economic strategies, which will inform the implementation of Manicaland’s Fernhill Special Economic Zone (FSEZ) in Mutare, which has been allocated 80 hectares of land, and expected to drive value addition and productivity in the province, with potential industries including logistics, agro-processing, and manufacturing.
The visit also aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS2), which covers the period from 2026 to 2030, and is the final phase towards achieving Vision 2030.
The strategy prioritises economic growth and development, building on the successes of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and NDS1.
The FSEZ is expected to contribute significantly to Manicaland’s economic performance and national aspirations, and the delegation’s findings will inform the successful implementation of the zone, positioning Manicaland as a key player in the country’s economic growth trajectory.
Minister Mugadza yesterday (Thursday) revealed that their visit also seeks to understand institutional frameworks, operational models, engage administrators, investors, and enterprises operating within established SEZs.
“Government has embarked on a clear and ambitious vision to transform the country into an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with a targeted GDP per capita ranging between US$4 000 and US$12 000. In pursuit of this vision, the country is implementing the National Development Strategy (NDS 2) (2026 to 2030), which constitutes the final phase towards the realisation of Vision 2030. Within this national framework, Manicaland, during the same period, is prioritising value addition and enhanced productivity as key drivers to improve provincial economic performance and contribute meaningfully to national economic aspirations.
Accordingly, Manicaland, in collaboration with the City of Mutare, is currently undertaking a benchmarking and learning visit to Rwanda – focusing on two principal areas – learning from the successful establishment and operation of the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), and gaining insights into effective urban environmental management practices implemented by the City of Kigali.
“City of Mutare has allocated 80 hectares of land for the proposed Fernhill Special Economic Zone (FSEZ), whose preliminary assessments have identified several potential industries suitable for establishment within the zone, including logistics, agro-processing, furniture manufacturing, and textile production. The current visit therefore serves as a fact-finding and benchmarking exercise to draw lessons from international best practices to inform the successful implementation of the FSEZ.
“The objectives of the visit are to study successful SEZs in order to understand their institutional frameworks and operational models; engage with administrators, investors, and enterprises operating within established SEZs; obtain insights into policy considerations, infrastructure requirements, and investment promotion strategies; as well as foster partnerships and collaborative relationships that may support the development of the Fernhill Special Economic Zone in Mutare,” explained Minister Mugadza.
By Wednesday, the Manicaland delegation had undertaken visits to the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Rwanda, Professor Charity Manyeruke, where it received a briefing on Rwanda’s experience in the implementation of SEZs and environmental management practices.
The delegation also held discussions with officials from the Rwanda Ministry of Trade and Industry to better understand the ministry’s role in the establishment and oversight of SEZs.
“We also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain an appreciation of Rwanda’s history and national journey before paying a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) to learn about sustainable environmental issues. Anticipated benefits of the visit include enhancing the capacity of Manicaland and the City of Mutare to effectively plan, implement, and manage a Special Economic Zone, while appreciating potential challenges and contributing to the successful establishment of a viable SEZ, leading to increased economic output at both provincial and national levels,” said Minister Mugadza.
Minister Mugadza said key lessons emerging from the visit include the importance of conducting comprehensive and robust feasibility studies prior to the establishment of SEZs to ensure industry selection is guided by comparative advantage; the value of private sector participation in the development and management of SEZs through competent developers; the critical role of local authorities in providing core infrastructure and basic utilities, including road networks, electricity, and water, to support SEZ development; and the level of environmental cleanliness within the city is significantly influenced by the mindset and collective responsibility of the community.
