Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
The Mutapa Investment Fund and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) have committed to spearheading economic transformation and financial stability as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts towards achieving its Vision 2030 target of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
Speaking at the Masvingo Investment Conference on Friday, Mutapa Fund chief executive Dr John Mangudya said the sovereign wealth fund was strategically mobilising resources and investments across key sectors to support sustainable national development.
“As Mutapa, our mandate is to mobilise and manage resources that will catalyse economic transformation,” he said.
“We are working to support national priorities by strengthening State-owned enterprises and attracting investment into areas such as mining, infrastructure and agriculture.”
Dr Mangudya said the fund was committed to transparency, integrity and productivity principles which must underpin Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“We want to be transparent in whatever we do and ensure that this economy has the capacity to finance its own growth,” he said.
“Zimbabwe must be a producer of wealth, not poverty. We are playing our part by ensuring that investments are targeted where they are most impactful.”
Dr Mangudya also called for diligence, productivity and self-reliance to inspire mindset change among Zimbabweans.
“Proverbs 10:4 says, Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. And Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might’. These verses reflect the attitude we must adopt as we move toward Vision 2030,” he said.
The Mutapa Fund, which manages over 30 State-owned enterprises is expected to play a critical role in unlocking value from public assets and strengthening the Government’s investment portfolio.
RBZ Deputy Director for Economic Research Mr William Kavila, standing in for Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu, outlined how the central bank’s monetary policy reforms were anchoring economic stability, helping to build the foundation for long-term investment and growth.
“The Reserve Bank is pursuing a policy mix aimed at consolidating price and exchange rate stability, strengthening data integrity and ensuring the resilience of the financial system,” Mr Kavila said.
He said Zimbabwe’s monthly inflation is projected to remain below 3.3 percent in 2025, while the economy is expected to grow by six percent supported by a stable currency, increased foreign currency receipts and tight monetary controls.
“Since the launch of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024, we have witnessed notable stability,” he said.
“Foreign exchange market premiums have fallen to below 20 percent, and money supply growth is under control. Inflation dropped from 0,9 percent in May to 0,3 percent in June.”
Mr Kavila said foreign reserves rose from US$276 million in April to US$731 million by the end of June 2025, enough to support the local currency and back essential imports.
“The RBZ’s commitment to a market-determined exchange rate system, disciplined money supply management and a fully backed currency has contributed to improved investor confidence. We are also seeing improved access to foreign currency for bona fide payments,” he said.
The RBZ’s monetary strategy, according to Mr Kavila, is aimed at restoring confidence through sustainable and predictable policies.
He said investor interest was also returning as the economy demonstrates signs of recovery.
“Confidence is not built overnight, especially after years of economic instability,” Mr Kavila said.
“But we are laying the right foundation. As Zimbabweans, we must take the lead in investing and building our own economy.”
He encouraged businesses in Masvingo and beyond to take advantage of the RBZ’s Targeted Financing Facility, which is available to support productive sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and SMEs.
The Masvingo Investment Conference brought together key players from Government, the financial sector, private investors and development agencies to explore opportunities in the province and align investment efforts with the national economic strategy. Both the RBZ and the Mutapa Investment Fund highlighted the need for coordinated efforts and policy consistency in achieving Vision 2030 and called on all Zimbabweans to take ownership of the country’s economic future.
“Economic transformation is not the job of government alone,” said Dr Mangudya.
“It is a collective responsibility. Zimbabwe’s future depends on how productive and committed we are today.”
