Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
AS Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of independence tomorrow, the legacy of liberation continues to inspire a new kind of struggle: The pursuit of economic freedom.
While freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the country’s political liberation, their children and younger generations are now carrying that spirit forward in the economic arena. One such individual is renowned industrialist and economic thought leader, Mr Busisa Moyo.
Chief Executive Officer of United Refineries Limited and Board Chairperson of both the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company and the Zimbabwe
Investment Development Agency (Zida), Mr Moyo is also a proud son of the liberation struggle. His father, Cde Anderson Sole Moyo, was a dedicated war veteran who left behind a life of comfort to fight against colonial oppression.
Driven by this powerful legacy, Mr Moyo says his mission is clear: To build upon the political freedom his parents fought for by achieving economic liberation for future generations.
“I’m driven by values of contribution and integrity. My parents were teachers and freedom fighters. They played their part, and now I feel it’s my duty to do the same economically. They fought in the bush so we could have political and social freedom. Today, we can sit in offices and have interviews. But I always ask myself, what will our children inherit? Will they have economic freedom in 45 years’ time?”
For Mr Moyo, economic freedom is not just a personal mission, but a national responsibility.
“This is why I participate in national discussions on industrialisation, value chains, reindustrialisation, and investment through Zida. We owe it to our parents, our country, and our children,” he said.
Recently inducted into the Zimbabwe Business Hall of Fame, Mr Moyo said the recognition was not a destination, but a motivation to push even harder.
“I’ve got a lot of opportunities to make a difference. I’m not after fame — I want to make a difference. I value contribution. I want to see my country better, I want to see industries succeed, and I am motivated by that,” said Mr Moyo.
He added that the recognition fuels him to do more, not for personal gain, but for the nation.
“It’s not time to relax and say I’ve made it. Until more of us are doing well, we can’t be satisfied. There’s still so much to be done. When I joined United Refineries, we had only three cooking oil producers, now we have eight. That’s progress, but I’m always looking at what’s next.”
As Zimbabwe marks its independence under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030”, Mr Moyo’s journey resonates deeply with the national agenda of inclusive development.
The decision to host this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe, Midlands Province, a move aligned with the Second Republic’s devolution strategy, underscores the country’s commitment to inclusive growth.
The Government is also rolling out empowerment programmes targeting women, youth, and people with disabilities, in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Bongani Ndlovu