Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
MASHONALAND Central Province continues to market itself beyond the borders with a goal to lure more foreign investors in line with its industrialisation and mordenisation thrust.
Endowed with rich vast mineral deposits, a booming tourism sector and growth in trade aided by new infrastructural developments being undertaken by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa, the province is earmarking for inspired positive responses from the Diaspora community following a successful Zim-UK Expo held last week in Birmingham.
Speaking to The Herald on the sidelines of the expo, Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo expressed confidence in courting the attention of the Diaspora community towards investments.
Hosted by the Zimbabwean in Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO), the expo, an annual event, brought together the business community, corporate sector and politicians sharing investment opportunities in response to the Zimbabwe is open for business policy by the Government.
“We are grateful for the continued efforts by ZIDO in creating platforms to showcase our province and nation as a whole, our major goal at the recent expo was to make sure we drive economic growth and positively impact our province GDP a mission we confident we served satisfactorily,” said Min Magomo.
Currently, in terms of statistics, a share of the province economy is distributed with a 33 percent in agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining and quarrying at 19 percent, wholesale and retail trade stands at 6% with 42 percent comprising various other sectors.
“The province has an excess of 27 mineral types including gold, nickel, chrome, platinum group metals, lithium, pegmatite minerals, tungsten, rare earth elements among others hence a scope for investments in exploration, expansion of existing mines, joint ventures and tributary agreements with existing claim holder
“Mashonaland Central’s rising population and urbanisation are creating demand for a variety of modern amenities and services across the province which is a key area we eyeing for investors especially in social amenities, housing and energy which will emphatically contribute towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society by 2030,” explained the Minister.
Endowed with breathtaking landscapes including 779 dams, countless beautiful mountain ranges and several wildernesses that host diverse wildlife and plant life and strategically located for hosting events comfortably removed from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Minister Magomo further explored opportunities in the province tourism sector.
“As a province we have plenty opportunities in the booming sector of tourism which includes plans to establish, a major hotel and conference centre to host large events, recreational and event venues in the scenic areas of Bindura, Mazowe and Mvurwi, hiking trails, lodges and safari camps as well as boat cruises, canoeing and other activities at water bodies.”
Weighing in on the strategic significance of the expo, astute businessman and chairperson of ZIDO, Mr Blessed Kapesa expressed optimism and commended the government of Zimbabwe commitment in furthering the economic agenda.
“The UK–Zimbabwe Business Expo 2025 was indeed a great success, the strong participation by our Ministers including Mash East Resident Minister Itai Ndudzo and Minister Magomo of Mash Central province highlighted Government’s commitment to working closely with the diaspora to drive investment and development back home.
“Exciting investment opportunities were unveiled across key sectors from real estate, agriculture, and tourism to mining, energy, and infrastructure generating great enthusiasm among participants. The level of engagement and optimism was remarkable, with many investors already looking forward to turning these opportunities into real partnerships,” said Kapesa.
ZIDO is also hosting another expo in Harare, “we now look forward to continuing this momentum at the Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Celebration and Business Summit on 19 December 2025 in Harare. This is an event dedicated to welcoming the diaspora home before the Christmas holidays, providing a platform for Zimbabweans abroad to explore investment opportunities, connect with influential leaders and decision-makers, and contribute to the country’s growth story.”
