Online Reporter
Online Reporter
SPECIAL Economic Zones (SEZs) could provide the catalyst needed to revive Bulawayo’s industrial base and attract fresh investment into the city, Ward 26 Councillor and Finance and Development Committee chairperson Mpumelelo Moyo has said.
Clr Moyo said Bulawayo needed to move with greater urgency to attract investment after the city recorded the lowest investment figures among the country’s provinces in the first quarter of the year.
He cited the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) first-quarter 2026 investment report, which he said showed that only US$3.9 million was invested in Bulawayo, with three investment licences issued out of 146 issued nationally.
He said the figures were concerning for a city traditionally regarded as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub.
“It is worrisome that ordinarily smaller provinces are now attracting more investment compared to the country’s second capital city,” said Clr Moyo.
He called for closer collaboration between central Government, the Bulawayo City Council, business, residents’ associations, civic society, churches, industries, research institutions and regulatory bodies to create a more investment-friendly environment.
“Surely as the City of Bulawayo we need to do more by working together as Government, resident associations, civic society, churches, business people, industries, research institutions, regulating institutions and more,” he said.
Clr Moyo said the city needed to improve the speed at which it processed and facilitated investment opportunities, warning that delays could push investors towards other destinations.
“Yes, we are moving forward as Bulawayo but we need to gather up speed. The Second Republic has created space and good relations with both the diaspora community and foreign investors and they are eager to invest in the country,” he said.
“I have to be honest with all relevant groups that the time for grandstanding has passed and we can only remain behind as Bulawayo whilst other seemingly smaller cities and towns are progressing. Investors are quick to look for alternative investment if they feel the investment is taking long to finalise or any other frustrating factors.”
He said SEZs presented an opportunity for Bulawayo to rebuild its industrial base and create employment while broadening the city’s economic contribution.
Clr Moyo said Bulawayo had previously been identified for SEZ development focusing on beef, leather and textiles and clothing, while Harare was earmarked as a high-tech hub and Victoria Falls as a financial services hub.
He said the city had since undertaken further work with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to identify sectors in which Bulawayo had a competitive advantage.
According to Clr Moyo, the study identified 15 sectors, including engineering, mining, beef, leather and agro-processing.
He said two models had been considered — a sector-based model and a specific-zone model.
Under the sector model, existing companies operating in identified sectors in areas such as Belmont, Donnington and Westondale could benefit from SEZ incentives without necessarily being located within a fenced-off zone.
The specific-zone model, he said, would cater for new companies establishing operations within a designated area.
“City of Bulawayo had provided 188 hectares of land at Imvimila Industrial Area. This was meant for new companies that were coming under SEZ,” said Clr Moyo.
He said the proposed Government SEZ programme for Bulawayo was expected to broaden the focus to include agro-processing and diamond polishing.
Clr Moyo said Council should work with central Government to develop incentives capable of reducing the cost of doing business for companies operating within the SEZs.
He suggested that Council could consider measures such as rates rebates to help companies preserve working capital during their formative years.
“It is important that as the implementing arm, Bulawayo City Council should collaborate with the Central Government in this important drive to stimulate investment in Special Economic Zones, for example giving rebates to these companies in the form of rates among others,” he said.
He also urged stakeholders to shift from opposing investment proposals to finding ways of attracting and facilitating viable projects.
His comments come amid debate over the proposed involvement of Geo Pomona in Bulawayo’s waste management sector, with various civic and other groups raising concerns about the proposed investment and its implications for the city.
Clr Moyo said stakeholders should also focus on identifying opportunities that could stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve the city’s appearance.
“At the end of the day we need to grow the GDP of the City, increase per capita spend, create jobs, beautify the City and also effectively contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
He said Bulawayo had the industrial history, land and institutional capacity to regain its position as an industrial centre in the region.
“Bulawayo has always been known as the industrial hub for the country and it needs to reclaim its space as such,” he said.
Clr Moyo also highlighted the potential of emerging businesses, describing them as “sleeping unicorns” that could complement the sectors identified for SEZ development if they received adequate support.
He said the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX), which is headquartered in Bulawayo, could also play a role in nurturing such enterprises.
“Special Economic Zones are a tried and tested model,” said Clr Moyo, arguing that their successful implementation elsewhere provided lessons that could be adapted to Bulawayo.
He expressed optimism that SEZs, backed by investment financing mechanisms such as the Mutapa Investment Fund, could help revive Bulawayo’s industries and create much-needed employment.
