Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve Victoria Falls Reporter
MATABELELAND North Province is advancing strategic development projects across tourism, energy, transport, and agriculture sectors, creating significant opportunities for future public tenders and contracts, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, has said.
Speaking during the official opening of the 5th African Public Procurement Network (APPN) General Assembly in Victoria Falls on Wednesday, Minister Moyo outlined the province’s development priorities, emphasizing that these initiatives represent a future public tender, a future contract, and a future test of systems.
Minister Moyo detailed four key sectors where investment opportunities are emerging, aligned with the APPN’s theme of transforming procurement through innovation, inclusion, sustainability, and regional collaboration.
In tourism, the province is focusing on developing hospitality infrastructure, including world-class conference facilities and eco-lodges.
“These are not just construction projects; they are opportunities for sustainable development that create jobs and empower local communities,” he said.
The renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, presents another major opportunity.
“With our abundant sunshine, we are a prime location for solar energy projects,” he said.
He said that procuring the right partners is crucial for national energy security and demonstrates commitment to sustainability.
As a key gateway to neighbouring countries, the province is also enhancing its transport and logistics infrastructure.
“Efficient procurement in this sector is the lifeblood of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.
In agriculture, the focus is on value addition and large-scale irrigation projects.
Minister Moyo stressed that public procurement should serve as a catalyst for inclusion, ensuring smallholder farmers and local entrepreneurs benefit from these ventures.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to making procurement a bridge to a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future, directly linking the APPN discussions to tangible development outcomes in road construction, power generation, and job creation.
The APPN General Assembly, which concludes tomorrow, has brought together procurement experts from across Africa to share knowledge and best practices in public procurement reform.
