Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
Media practitioners have been challenged to position themselves as strategic partners in Zimbabwe’s industrial transformation agenda as the country convenes the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, made the call today while officiating at the Media Awareness Day for ZICE 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
“As communicators, you are not merely observers of development; you are partners in this development,” Dr Soda said.
“Through factual, balanced and analytical reporting, you help citizens understand Government programmes and projects, assist investors to identify opportunities and showcase Zimbabwe’s industrial potential to regional and international markets.”
He urged media houses to actively champion the Made in Zimbabwe campaign under the Local Content Strategy (2026–2035) and to highlight export and regional value chain opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“So, as we commence ZICE 2026, I encourage our media practitioners to go beyond reporting proceedings. Let your coverage unpack the substance behind the discussions. Explain how value addition creates jobs and demonstrate how beneficiation increases national wealth. Showcase how industrial innovation improves productivity and competitiveness.”
President Mnangagwa is scheduled to deliver the keynote address and officially launch the main conference tomorrow at HICC.
The two-day ZICE 2026, running under the theme “Accelerating Industrialisation Through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade”, is being hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and ZimTrade.
More than 1000 delegates and 200 exhibitors from Government, the private sector, SMEs, academia and regional bodies are expected to attend.
A key highlight will be the launch of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Report. Dr Soda said the report, compiled by AEDS, is based on research with 2 300 stakeholders, including 2 071 firms and 229 representatives from Government, academia and industry associations.
It covers nine thematic areas to guide implementation of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP 2).
Participating institutions include the AfCFTA Secretariat, COMESA, UNIDO, UNECA, ALLPI and the World Bank.
Running alongside policy sessions will be a multi-sectoral industrial exhibition showcasing local capabilities in mineral beneficiation, steel, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and digital technology.
Minister Soda was accompanied by Ministry of Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba and Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) executive director Professor Gift Mugano.
