Blessings Chidakwa, Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabwe’s business community to accelerate investment, value addition and beneficiation to support the country’s ambition of attaining upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
Addressing a fully packed Zanu-PF’s Presidential fundraising dinner in Harare tonight, President Mnangagwa said the private sector has a key role to play in advancing national development, modernisation and industrialisation.
The President urged business leaders to align their operations with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 while complying with the country’s laws and meeting their statutory obligations.
“I am confident that as business and industry, you will play your part by running with the national Vision and NDS 2 as well as adhering to all laws, including meeting all statutory obligations. Always lead by example,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also implored businesses to maximise opportunities arising from the processing of Zimbabwe’s natural resources rather than relying on the export of raw materials.
“Additionally, fully occupy the space arising out of value addition and beneficiation of our country’s natural resources,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged local businesses to exploit opportunities offered by Zimbabwe’s membership of SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area to access wider markets and attract investment partnerships.
The President said political and economic stability, coupled with investment and enterprise, was important for creating a prosperous society where no one and no place was left behind.
The dinner is meant to raise resources for Zanu-PF’s programmes and preparations for its 23rd National People’s Conference, scheduled for Chinhoyi.
President Mnangagwa thanked businesspeople, party members and other well-wishers for coming to contribute, describing their support as an expression of partnership between the party and the business community.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is also Secretary for Environment and Tourism and Vice President and Zanu-PF Second Secretary Dr Kembo Mohadi are among top dignitaries in attendance.
The dinner, dubbed President’s Ball, seeks to raise US$6 million towards preparations for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference slates for Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province.
The conference is scheduled to run from October 12 to 17.
