Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
Zimbabwe must continue to strengthen transparency, improve infrastructure, reform regulatory systems and establish robust monitoring mechanisms for the mining sector to realise its transformative potential and deliver sustainable economic growth.
Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Institute (ZEPARI) executive director Dr Gibson Chigumira, presenting an evidence-based assessment of the mining industry’s contribution to the economy at the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe Annual Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Victoria Falls on Wednesday, said the country needed to move beyond headline figures and systematically measure the sector’s broader developmental impact.
Speaking under the theme “Unlock Value, Maximise Benefits, Sustain Growth”, he said the mining sector was already a key pillar of the economy, but several structural weaknesses were preventing Zimbabwe from fully benefiting from its vast mineral wealth.
“We need to enhance transparency and accountability in contract negotiations, production statistics, value addition and export processes.
“There is also a need to establish a mining contract register and develop systems that adequately report community social investments,” said Dr Chigumira.
He said strengthening infrastructure and institutional systems would improve efficiency and accountability across the sector.
“Zimbabwe should create a centralised mining data portal with standardised methods and templates, install more weighbridges for accurate measurement of mineral exports and enhance skills and technological competencies within Government departments,” he said.
Dr Chigumira also called for legislative reforms and stronger stakeholder engagement.
“We must strengthen legislative frameworks to improve mining sector performance, encourage periodic public disclosures and create better communication between government, mining companies and civil society. Building trust among stakeholders is essential for sustainable growth.”
He further recommended the development of comprehensive monitoring systems that include key performance indicators, regular economic assessments and evaluations of environmental and social contributions made by mining companies.
