Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube says technology, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and infrastructure have become critical drivers of economic transformation as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 target of attaining upper-middle-income status.
Speaking during the official opening of the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) 2026 in Bulawayo on Friday, Minister Ncube said this year’s theme, Smart Infrastructure for an Upper-Middle-Income Society, was timely and forward-looking.
“We gather at the watershed period in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory, a unique moment in history where we are witnessing a confluence of technology, AI, innovation and infrastructure as fundamental drivers of economic development, economic transformation, inclusive growth and competitiveness,” she said.
“As our nation continues marching towards Vision 2030, we are increasingly called upon to rethink strategies to optimise this unique competence to embed infrastructure development as an integral part of a prosperous and resilient economy.”
Minister Ncube said modern economies depended not only on physical infrastructure but also on intelligent systems, digital connectivity, sustainable energy, efficient transport networks and innovative financial solutions.
She said Zimbabwe needed to harness technology, AI and home-grown innovations to develop infrastructure that was inclusive, resilient and responsive to the demands of the global economy.
The conference’s focus areas include sustainable energy systems, smart cities, digital connectivity, rail modernisation, financial inclusion and global partnerships for infrastructure development.
“These focus areas are critical enablers of the upper-middle-income society we collectively aspire to achieve,” she said.
Minister Ncube expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and its partners for selecting Bulawayo Metropolitan Province to host the conference.
She said Bulawayo’s industrial heritage, strategic location and established transport networks made it a suitable venue for discussions on smart infrastructure and economic development.
“The choice of Bulawayo is especially significant considering the theme of this year’s conference. Bulawayo has long served as Zimbabwe’s industrial and commercial hub and gateway to the region. Today, Bulawayo stands uniquely positioned to become a model for smart infrastructure,” she said.
The minister said the city’s position as home to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), coupled with its road, rail and air links, provided a practical setting for discussions on rail modernisation and integrated transport systems.
She added that ongoing efforts in water security, transport, digital technologies, industrial parks and service delivery aligned with the conference’s emphasis on smart cities and infrastructure that supports investment and improves livelihoods.
“As the home of the National Railways of Zimbabwe and one of Southern Africa’s key logistics corridors, Bulawayo offers a practical and relevant setting for discussions on rail infrastructure modernisation and integrated transport systems,” she said.
Minister Ncube said Bulawayo was also emerging as an important centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and information and communication technology (ICT)-driven growth as Zimbabwe expanded its digital economy.
She credited the city’s academic institutions, innovation hubs and business community with contributing to digital skills development and technological solutions that promote economic participation, particularly among women and young people.
“The city’s academic institutions, innovation hubs and business community continue to contribute significantly to advancing digital skills and technological solutions that broaden inclusive economic participation, particularly for women and youth,” she said.
She added that the city’s growing investment in renewable energy and industrial value chains presented opportunities for partnerships between local authorities and the private sector.
Minister Ncube said the gathering of policymakers, researchers, academics, development partners, private-sector leaders and civil society representatives demonstrated a shared commitment to shaping Zimbabwe’s economic future.
“As a province, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation and development. We recognise that smart infrastructure is not merely about technology, it is also about empowering people, connecting communities, creating opportunities and improving the welfare of all citizens,” she said.
She urged delegates to develop practical proposals and partnerships that could translate conference deliberations into tangible projects and measurable economic outcomes.
Minister Ncube reiterated the Government’s call for investment, saying Bulawayo was open for business.
“We are also following his footsteps and his wise guidance in saying Bulawayo is open for business. Let us all remain guided by his excellent teaching for the prosperity of our motherland, Zimbabwe, for the inclusive growth of our economy, leaving no place and no one behind,” she said.
She welcomed delegates to Bulawayo and expressed hope that their deliberations would produce practical solutions to strengthen infrastructure, promote inclusive growth and support the attainment of Vision 2030.
