Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has called on investors to embrace responsible and sustainable business practices, saying Manicaland offers vast opportunities in tourism, education, healthcare and other key sectors capable of driving economic growth while safeguarding the environment.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Responsible Business Summit in Mutare last week, Minister Mugadza said Government is committed to partner investors who pursue projects that generate economic value, create jobs and uplift communities without compromising natural resources.
He said Manicaland’s abundant natural resources, scenic landscapes and strategic location make it one of Zimbabwe’s most attractive investment destinations.
“Manicaland has space for investment, and we want businesses to come and develop that space responsibly. We have the resources, we have hardworking people and we have opportunities that can generate returns while benefiting our communities,” said Minister Mugadza.
The Minister urged businesses to balance profitability with environmental stewardship, warning against development models that sacrifice long-term sustainability for short-term gains.
“Responsible business must be about making money while also thinking about tomorrow. We cannot destroy our environment simply because we want to make money today,” he said.
He highlighted tourism as one of the province’s most promising sectors, citing the Eastern Highlands’ mountains, forests, waterfalls and other natural attractions as assets capable of supporting a thriving tourism industry.
Minister Mugadza said increased private-sector investment in hospitality infrastructure can unlock the full potential of the province’s tourism economy.
Beyond tourism, Minister Mugadza encouraged investors to explore opportunities in education and healthcare, where private-sector participation can complement Government’s ongoing infrastructure development efforts.
“Manicaland still needs more schools and healthcare facilities. These are areas where investors can come in, work with us and provide services while creating businesses that have a lasting impact,” he said.
He said successful investment should leave a positive legacy in the communities where companies operate through employment creation, skills development and social development initiatives.
“Investment must leave something behind for the communities where businesses operate. We want companies that create employment, develop local skills and contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the people,” he said.
Reaffirming Government’s commitment to create an enabling business environment, Minister Mugadza assured investors that authorities remain open to partnerships that advance sustainable development objectives.
“Do not keep your money under the pillow. Manicaland is waiting for investment. But as you invest, remember that this is our home and we have a responsibility to protect it for future generations,” he said.
His remarks came as ESG Network Zimbabwe celebrated a decade of promoting sustainable and ethical business practices across the country.
ESG Network Zimbabwe executive director, Mr Willard Razawo, said the organisation’s 10th Anniversary marked a significant transformation in how businesses view environmental, social and governance issues.
“When we launched ESG Network Zimbabwe 10 years ago, ESG was often viewed as a compliance checkbox or a nice-to-have for multinational boardrooms. Today, we are no longer asking whether ESG matters. We are asking how fast, how deeply and how boldly we can implement it,” he said.
Mr Razawo noted that ESG has evolved from a compliance requirement into a strategic pillar for long-term business sustainability and competitiveness.
He urged Zimbabwean companies to develop ESG frameworks that reflect local realities rather than relying solely on imported models.
“Our version of ESG cannot be imported wholesale. It must be home-grown, practical, ethical and ambitious. It must turn our challenges into competitive advantages,” he said.
Mr Razawo said environmental sustainability and economic prosperity are inseparable, particularly in a resource-dependent economy where sectors such as agriculture and mining rely heavily on natural capital.
He pointed to climate change, water scarcity and shifting global trade requirements as challenges already affecting business operations.
“The global crises of climate change, inequality and institutional decay are not distant headlines. They are right here, intersecting with our daily operations,” he said.
He challenged companies to focus on measurable ESG outcomes instead of treating sustainability reporting as an end in itself.
“Let us stop measuring our success by the length of our sustainability reports and start measuring it by the reduction of risk and harm, and the tangible upliftment of our communities,” he said.
Mr Razawo also called for stronger collaboration between Government, business, academia and civil society, arguing that complex social and economic challenges require collective action.
“No single company, NGO or Government department can solve these complex challenges alone. The private sector must partner with academia, civil society and local authorities,” he said.
He added that transparency and sound governance remain essential for attracting investment, strengthening supply chains and rebuilding public confidence.
“Transparency is our strongest currency. Good governance is what attracts foreign and domestic investment, builds resilient supply chains and restores public trust in our institutions,” said Mr Razawo.
He urged businesses to be honest about weaknesses in their governance and environmental practices, saying transparency is fundamental to credible and meaningful ESG implementation.
