Online Reporter
Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa is expected to arrive at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo on Thursday morning for a two-day visit in the city.
Zimpapers online will be giving updates on the President’s engagements.
President Mnangagwa has two engagements today. First, he is expected to tour Carousel Manufacturing in Belmont, Bulawayo, where the company has invested approximately US$1.2 million in its retooling drive.
Carousel is a manufacturing division of Edgars Stores Limited, and its retooling is expected to increase production while creating new jobs.
The retooling of Carousel is projected to boost production volumes from 45,000 per month to 100,000 per month.
Thereafter, President Mnangagwa is expected to give a keynote address at the National Competitiveness Summit at the Zimbabwe International Conference Centre.
On Friday, President Mnangagwa will preside over the National Youth Day celebrations at the Zimbabwe International Conference Centre.
President Mnangagwa arrives in Bulawayo ahead of two-day busy itinerary
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has arrived at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo to kick off a packed two-day programme, culminating in the National Youth Day Commemorations scheduled to take place on Friday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
He was met at the airport by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, Zanu-PF Bulawayo province chairperson Cde Jabulani Sibanda, among other Cabinet Ministers and service chiefs.
As part of his busy itinerary, the President will today attend the inaugural National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) Competitiveness Summit that kicked off at the ZIEC on Thursday.
He will also tour and commission an Edgars Stores-owned Carousel clothing manufacturing plant.
Tomorrow President Mnangagwa will interact with thousands of youths from across the country in commemorations that will be held in Hall Three and Four.
Hall Three will specifically be for exhibitions where youths from various tertiary institutions will showcase their innovative brilliance while the main celebrations are slated for Hall Four.
The commemorations will run under the theme: ‘Empower Youth, Secure the Future’.
President Mnangagwa to commission Carousel Manufacturing’s retooled plant
Nqobile Tshili, Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa has arrived at Carousel Manufacturing where he will be touring the company’s retooled plant.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet Ministers among other top Government officials, corporate executives and senior Zanu-PF officials have all graced the event.
Carousel invested approximately US$1,2 million in its retooling drive.
The re-equipping of the plant will see it increase production while creating new jobs.
Carousel is expected to increase its production volumes from 45 000 per month to 100 000 per month following the installation of new equipment at its plant.
President Mnangagwa commends Carousel Manufacturing for empowering women
Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa has expressed satisfaction with the production taking place at Carousel Manufacturing, commending their move to create employment for women.
The President was speaking after touring the company’s retooled plant, which cost approximately US$1,2 million in investment.
He said such production defines Bulawayo’s status as the country’s industrial hub.
“I am very impressed, I have never been here before, and this is my first visit to this place. I am so impressed that we have such facilities in our country. It is so vast and provides employment, especially to women.
“It shows that when we say Bulawayo is the hub of manufacturing, I now realise it is true as I have never witnessed something this impressive,” said President Mnanagagwa.
President Mnangagwa engages business sector at inaugural Competitiveness Summit
Nqobile Bhebhe
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has arrived at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo to officiate at the inaugural Competitiveness Summit.
The summit is running under the theme: “Building Sustainability Towards Enhanced Productivity and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe.”
Accompanying the President are Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, and several Cabinet ministers.
The highly subscribed conference has fostered candid and robust discussions among delegates.
Participants highlighted that regulatory burdens and associated costs weigh heavily on local businesses, accounting for about 18 percent of total overhead costs.
This has discouraged the informal sector from transitioning to the formal economy.
Cabinet ministers acknowledged these challenges and indicated that the Government is actively addressing them.
They emphasised the need for an in-depth review to streamline regulations and lower the cost of doing business to enhance competitiveness.
Market regulations have contributed to exchange rate misalignment and created opportunities for arbitrage and rent-seeking, negatively affecting national productivity and competitiveness.
Power, energy, and transport infrastructure were also identified as key enablers of competitiveness.
Policymakers were urged to improve these sectors to boost productivity and build a more resilient economy.
According to the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC), national competitiveness refers to a country’s ability to foster a conducive business environment through key policy improvements, driving economic growth and development.
This enhances business viability, promotes innovation, and facilitates the production of high-quality, affordable products, enabling the country to compete effectively in global markets.
The ultimate goal is to create a supportive business environment that encourages investment, innovation, and productivity, leading to efficient markets, economic growth, and improved living standards.
This aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritizes competitiveness as a means to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and generate national wealth in a globalised economy.
The summit provides a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to collaborate on creating a more competitive and business-friendly Zimbabwe.
VP Chiwenga commends President Mnangagwa for Advancing Zimbabwe’s global competitiveness
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
VICE President Constantino Chiwenga has praised President Mnangagwa for consistently championing efforts to enhance Zimbabwe’s global competitiveness.
Speaking at the inaugural Competitiveness Summit in Bulawayo, Dr Chiwenga emphasized the President’s commitment to economic transformation.
The summit runs under the theme: “Building Sustainability Towards Enhanced Productivity and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe.”
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is gratifying that our guest of honour has consistently championed the improvement of Zimbabwe’s global competitive place,” he said.
VP Chiwenga noted the transformative journey the country has undertaken under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, focusing on productivity, ease of doing business, and fostering an investment-friendly environment.
“Under his dynamic and result-oriented leadership, the country has embarked on a transformative journey focusing on boosting productivity, enhancing the ease of doing business, and fostering an ecosystem that attracts both domestic and foreign investment,” said the Vice President.
He noted that the summit’s theme aligns with President Mnangagwa’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth as outlined in National Development Strategy 1.
“This trajectory will continue to inform and guide us into a National Development Strategy 2,” he added.
VP Chiwenga further commended the President for spearheading various initiatives to enhance the country’s competitiveness, including the Competitiveness Summit itself.
President Mnangagwa unveils NDS2 plan: Value Addition and Industrialisation to drive economic growth
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
President Mnangagwa has announced that the upcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) will focus on value addition and industrialisation, to increase the manufacturing sector’s value from the current US$4 billion to over US$10 billion.
Speaking at the inaugural Competitiveness Summit in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa highlighted the transition from the first edition of the National Development Strategy, which concludes in 2025, to its successor, NDS2.
“As you are aware, the first edition of the National Development Strategy is coming to an end in 2025.
“Efforts are underway to develop the successor program, the National Development Strategy 2. The NDS2 will prioritize value addition and industrialisation, but put leverage on the manufacturing sector.
“The aim is to increase the sector’s value from the current US$4 billion to over US$10 billion through a strategic focus on value chains in the different sectors,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended the National Competitiveness Commission for organizing the summit, emphasising its role as a key institution in fostering a competitive economic environment in Zimbabwe.
The summit runs under the theme: “Building Sustainability Towards Enhanced Productivity and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe commits to enhancing ease of doing business, boosting competitiveness
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
IN a bid to accelerate Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has reaffirmed its dedication to implementing President Mnangagwa’s directive to enhance the ease of doing business, emphasising the pivotal role of competitiveness in driving sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the official opening of the National Competitiveness Commission’s (NCC) Inaugural Competitiveness Summit at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu outlined the Government’s commitment to fostering a competitive and business-friendly environment.
Minister Ndlovu stressed that competitiveness remains a cornerstone for achieving national growth and long-term sustainability.
“Competitiveness is a key driver of sustainable economic growth. Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous, empowered upper-middle-income society hinge on creating a conducive business environment,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu praised President Mnangagwa’s unwavering support for economic transformation, industrial growth, and private sector development, noting that the President’s leadership has been instrumental in inspiring national efforts to position Zimbabwe as a globally competitive economy.
“The President’s dedication to economic prosperity, sustainable industrialisation, and private sector development aligns with our collective vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a globally competitive economy,” said Minister Ndlovu.
The summit comes just a week after President Mnangagwa issued a directive to his ministers to address the challenges faced by businesses due to bureaucratic red tape, exorbitant fees, and over-regulation.
In his speech, Minister Ndlovu reiterated the President’s call for a streamlined business environment, emphasising the need to remove barriers that hinder both local and foreign investments.
“To enhance the overall performance of our economy, the ease of doing business continues to be an important aspect of our programming,” Ndlovu stated, quoting the President.
“Concerted efforts must be made to revisit all areas that hinder the start and growth of investments. Business should not suffer from limited regulations, punitive administrative licenses, or excessive fees. These measures should instead promote economic development and improve the livelihoods of our people.”
Collaboration between Government and private sector critical: ZNCC
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the Government and the private sector, highlighting that a competitive environment is essential for the success of Zimbabwean businesses.
Delivering the vote of thanks at the inaugural two-day National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) Competitiveness Summit held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, ZNCC CEO Mr Christopher Mugaga noted that a competitive environment where businesses can thrive and survive is important for economic growth.
He said collaboration between the Government and private sector is critical, while there is a need to address the regulatory environment for competitiveness.
Mr Mugaga called upon all stakeholders both private and public to take competitiveness seriously in the face of the AFCFTA which calls for a borderless Africa.
He said as the country celebrates the National Youth Day Commemoration tomorrow it was also important for young people to understand the aspects of competitiveness.
The Summit is running under the theme: “Building Sustainability Towards Enhanced Productivity and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe.”
