Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
INDUSTRY and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi has rallied the private sector to take the lead in driving industrialisation, value addition, innovation and job creation, saying Zimbabwe’s economic transformation cannot be achieved by Government alone.
Speaking at the 2026 Megafest Southern Regional Business Awards in Bulawayo last Thursday, Deputy Minister Modi said entrepreneurs, manufacturers and innovators have a critical role in building industries that create jobs and produce goods capable of competing on regional and international markets.
“We need entrepreneurs who are prepared to invest, manufacturers who are prepared to produce, innovators who are prepared to solve problems and businesses that are prepared to create employment,” he said.
“Our goal must be to move beyond exporting raw materials and focus increasingly on value addition, manufacturing and producing goods that can compete in regional and international markets.
“Government and business must, therefore, work together. Government must create an environment that supports investment and enterprise, while businesses must continue to innovate, create value and contribute to national development.”
Deputy Minister Modi said Bulawayo, with its proud industrial heritage, has enormous potential to drive the country’s economic growth.
He said the Southern Region has opportunities across manufacturing, mining, agriculture, tourism, construction, logistics, services and the creative industries.
“Bulawayo, a city with a proud industrial heritage and enormous potential for the future. The Southern Region has opportunities across manufacturing, mining, agriculture, tourism, construction, logistics, services and the creative industries,” he added.
“Our challenge is to turn these opportunities into businesses that grow, industries that expand and jobs that transform people’s lives.
“We must continue asking ourselves: What can we produce here? What can we manufacture here?
What can we export from here? That is the mindset that will strengthen our economy.”
The Deputy Minister celebrated the resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship and determination of Zimbabwean businesses, which have continued to build and grow even during challenging times.
He said behind every successful business was a story of courage — of someone who took a risk, started with an idea, faced challenges and chose to continue.
Deputy Minister Modi challenged entrepreneurs not to underestimate the impact of what they are building, saying even a small business can provide someone with their first job, support an entire family or solve problems for thousands of people.
“Never believe that because your business is small, your contribution is small.
“Great businesses often begin with very small beginnings. To winners, congratulations. But let this award be a beginning rather than a destination. Continue to grow, innovate and create opportunities,” he said.
“To those who may not win, do not be discouraged. Keep building. Keep learning. Keep going. One evening does not determine the value of your business.”
Deputy Minister Modi, who is also president of the Megafest Holdings Advisory Board, commended the organisation for continuing to create platforms that recognise, connect and celebrate Zimbabwean businesses.
He said for 18 years, Megafest has provided businesses with opportunities to gain visibility, build relationships and celebrate excellence.
“As president of the Megafest Holdings Advisory board, I am proud to see this platform continuing to bring businesses together. Strong economies are built not only through competition, but also through collaboration, partnerships and shared opportunity.”
Deputy Minister Modi called for the building of businesses that create jobs, develop people, support local suppliers, embrace technology, add value and compete with the best in Africa and the world.
He challenged entrepreneurs who have struggled but refused to quit to keep going and urged young people with ideas to take the bold step of starting businesses.
The Deputy Minister said the collective effort should be to build an economy that Zimbabweans can be proud to pass on to future generations.
Among the award winners were Nomathemba Mkethwa, who was named Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year; Butho Dube, Outstanding Businessman of the Year; Phillip Mutekwa, Outstanding CEO/Director of the Year; Bryan Nyamayedenga, Outstanding Marketing Leader of the Year; and Courtney Richards, Outstanding Manager of the Year.
Violet Mhute was named Outstanding Female Entrepreneur of the Year, while Tonderai Rice won the Outstanding Male Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Engineer Edwin Gwaze was named Outstanding Education Leader of the Year, Dr Danboy Gandanhamo Outstanding Health Sector Leader and Bernard Hatirarami Outstanding Business Leader Under 40.
