US$1,4m Man-Vim Centre opens in Gweru

A US$1,4 million indigenous investment has injected fresh commercial momentum into Gweru with the opening of Man-Vim Centre, a modern facility providing workspace for 31 small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The commercial complex, which was recently commissioned by Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, is expected to create employment opportunities, support local businesses and expand the city’s retail infrastructure.

The investment comes as Government intensifies efforts to promote private-sector participation, enterprise development and job creation in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Commissioning the complex, Minister Ncube described Man-Vim Centre as an example of indigenous investment contributing to economic development and the transformation of the local business environment.

“I am delighted to officiate as guest of honour on this auspicious occasion of the official launch of the US$1,4 million NDS2-compliant, state-of-the-art Man-Vim Centre, an indigenous investment enterprise managed by the Msopero family here in Gweru, the City of Progress,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the launch followed an appreciation tour of the facility during its construction phase in February, adding that the development reflected the Government’s efforts to accelerate economic growth through private-sector investment and indigenous entrepreneurship.

“Today’s event, which follows my earlier appreciation tour of the facility during its construction phase on 2 February 2026, underscores the New Dispensation’s desire to leapfrog the economy, guided by the Second Republic’s mantra of ‘Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo’,” said Minister Ncube.

He commended the proprietors for establishing a facility that is already providing workspaces for 31 SMEs while contributing to revenue generation for the local authority.

Minister Ncube said the development was in line with the Second Republic’s drive towards innovation, modernisation and industrialisation, supported by private-sector-led investment.

He added that Man-Vim Centre formed part of the growing network of SME and retail workspaces across the Midlands province.

Minister Ncube also challenged local authorities to create an enabling environment for investment and business growth by improving service delivery, strengthening development control and embracing digital systems.

“To this end, in line with the President’s beautification, urban renewal and Call to Action, No Compromise to Service Delivery blueprint, I implore all local authorities in general and Gweru City Council in particular to entrench investment promotion, strengthen development control through implementation of approved master plans and adopt the ease of doing business through adoption of the digital economy,” he said.

Minister Ncube urged Gweru City Council to prioritise road infrastructure development, refuse collection and water and sewer reticulation in the central business district and residential areas.

Emphasising the importance of revenue collection in enabling local authorities to improve service delivery, Minister Ncube called on residents and corporates to settle their bills.

He also implored councils to introduce payment plans for residents struggling to pay rates instead of immediately resorting to property auctions.

“Where residents are struggling to pay rates, we encourage local authorities to allow payment plans instead of rushing to auction their properties, at times for amounts too low to warrant loss of properties,” said Minister Ncube.

He further challenged local authorities to comply with Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026 by accelerating the implementation of approved revised licences, permits, levies and fees aimed at improving the business operating environment and attracting investment.

Man-Vim Centre representative Mrs Esther Mberi said the investment was responding to growing demand for modern commercial space in Gweru.

“This investment responds to the growing demand for modern commercial space in Gweru. We are creating an environment where businesses can operate efficiently while giving customers a convenient and modern shopping experience,” she said.

Mrs Mberi said the centre housed retail and service outlets, providing additional space for businesses while creating employment opportunities and supporting local enterprises.

Businesses operating at the centre welcomed the development, saying the modern infrastructure could help attract more customers and improve their trading environment.

“We expect this mall to bring more customers into this area. The modern environment also allows businesses to expand and serve customers better,” said Mr Daniel Chikwata.

Residents also welcomed the development, saying the facility will improve access to commercial services while contributing to the city’s growth.

“For us as residents, having facilities like this closer to home is convenient. It also shows that the city is developing and attracting new investment,” said Ms Sibonile Dube.