Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
MASHONALAND East Province has begun a five-day consultative workshop to develop a five-year Provincial Development Plan (PDP2) aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The workshop, which brings together Government departments and other stakeholders from across the province, is being held in Marondera.
It is being officiated by Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, and is also being attended by politicians from the province.
Speaking at the workshop, Adv Ndudzo highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive provincial economic development plan that responds to the needs and priorities of Mashonaland East.
He said the consultations provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the province’s development priorities and ensure they were aligned with national development goals.
“The successful implementation of National Development Strategy 2 will, however, depend not only on policies formulated at national level,” he said.
“It will depend fundamentally on how effectively those policies are translated into programmes, projects and measurable results at provincial and local levels. It is against this background that the development of the Mashonaland East Provincial Economic Development Plan 2 is so important. PEDP 2 must serve as our provincial instrument for translating the national vision and priorities into practical development outcomes for the people of Mashonaland East.
“It must guide investment, infrastructure development, service delivery, economic transformation and institutional development across the Province. It must also contribute to reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all our communities.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we embark on the development of PEDP 2, it is important that we pause and reflect on our experience during the implementation of National Development Strategy 1 and Provincial Economic Development Plan 1. Mashonaland East recorded commendable progress during this period. According to provincial statistics, the province recorded average economic growth of more than five percent during the NDS 1 period, while more than 39 000 jobs were created.”
Adv Ndudzo revealed that there was also significant expansion in economic activity across a number of productive sectors.
“In agriculture, we recorded increased output in key commodities, including wheat, tobacco and milk,” he said.
“Our mining sector also experienced growth, with increased production of minerals including lithium, gold and iron ore.”
Acting chief director Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Charles Mujajati said the development of Provincial Economic Development Plans marks a significant shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to development towards a model that recognises the diversity of Zimbabwe’s provinces.
“Each province possesses unique natural endowments, economic opportunities, cultural heritage, human capital and geographical advantages,” he said.
“Harnessing these distinctive strengths requires deliberate planning that reflects local realities while remaining firmly aligned with national priorities.
“Provincial plans therefore provide a structured framework for identifying competitive advantages, unlocking investment opportunities, promoting industrialisation, creating employment and improving the quality of life for citizens within each province.”
He added that as Government continues to deepen the devolution and decentralisation agenda enshrined in the Constitution, Provincial Economic Development Plans become an essential mechanism for empowering provinces to actively participate in shaping their own development.
“They provide a clear roadmap for coordinated economic transformation by linking provincial priorities with national development priorities, public investment programmes and private sector participation,” he said.
“More importantly, they ensure that development is balanced across the country by reducing regional disparities, stimulating growth in previously marginalised areas and creating opportunities that leave no province, district or community behind.”
He said a well-developed Provincial Economic Development Plan is much more than a planning document.
“It is an investment blueprint that provides confidence to investors, development partners and financial institutions by clearly articulating a province’s economic potential, strategic priorities and bankable projects,” he said.
“It enables provinces to mobilise resources more effectively, strengthen public-private partnerships and coordinate infrastructure development, value chain expansion and enterprise growth.”
He highlighted that when provinces have clear economic development plans, they are better positioned to attract domestic and foreign investment, promote innovation and accelerate local economic growth.
