Chronicle EditorJudith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter
BULAWAYO firms have been urged to utilise the 7th annual Sadc Industrialisation Week (SIW) slated for 28 July to 2 August, to showcase successes of the Second Republic’s industrialisation agenda.
The industrialisation week will be a forerunner to the 44th Sadc Heads of State Summit scheduled for 17 August where Zimbabwe is set to assume the chairmanship of the regional body.
Zimbabwe, through the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and Sadc Business Council, with the Sadc Secretariat, will host the SIW in Harare.
A team of officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce were on a week-long tour of Bulawayo industries to assess the city businesses as a precursor to the SIW.
The firms which include National Foods, Direct Publishers, PPC Zimbabwe, Datlabs, Corousel and Zimpharm gave insights on their activities in line with the country’s industrialisation agenda, and Sadc industrialisation roadmap and success stories.
The city is experiencing a renaissance, with investor interest surging and re-industrialisation efforts taking root.
In an interview, CZI Matabeleland Chamber vice-president, Mr Clive Oxden-Willows said both the SIW and the Summit were critical for Bulawayo businesses.
“The SIW is an annual public-private engagement platform designed to foster new opportunities for intra-African trade, develop cross-border value chains, and identify investment opportunities in the Sadc region. The Sadc Summit serves as the policymaking institution for Sadc and it provides a platform for CZI to engage directly with policymakers,” he said.
“Both SIW and the 2024 Sadc Summit are pivotal for CZI and Bulawayo businesses as well as those around the country as they offer a chance to shape policies, collaborate regionally and contribute to industrial resurgence. Let’s seize this opportunity to turn the tide not only for Bulawayo but the whole country.”
Mr Oxden-Willows said as CZI, they advocate for favourable policies that promote industrial growth, investment climate improvements and cross-border co-operation.
He said this year’s theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialisation Sadc,” aligns with CZI’s goals.
“Bulawayo businesses participating at both the SIW and the Summit can explore new markets, forge partnerships, and tap into technological advancements. CZI members can unlock opportunities by showcasing their products/services, attracting potential investors and fostering economic growth,” he said.
“The SIW events which will include conferencing, exhibitions and the Summit also avail opportunities for networking and investment. Bulawayo businesses should capitalise on that to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.”
Mr Oxden-Willows said by participating, Bulawayo businesses would better position themselves as players in the regional and global economic landscape.
He said the events were coming at a time when industrial revival was taking place in Bulawayo, which historically was the industrial hub of the country.
There was a need to leverage on the SIW and Summit to regain prominence, while CZI’s active participation can highlight Bulawayo’s manufacturing capabilities, attracting investment and revitalising local industries, he said.
“However, urgent finance at low interest for retooling is needed for Bulawayo manufacturers to be able to compete on a level playing field.”
Businessman and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter past vice-president, Mr Louis Herbst said the 2024 Sadc Summit stands as a pivotal event for the business industry.
“It also serves as a cornerstone for fostering regional economic integration, collaboration, and investment within the Sadc member states. This Summit presents a unique opportunity for businesses from different regions to engage with key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders, facilitating discussions on critical issues, sharing best practices, and exploring avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.
Mr Herbst said much like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the success of Sadc was a stepping stone and guide towards fine-tuning perceived teething problems.
He said for businesses in Bulawayo, active participation at SIW and the Summit will hold immense significance.
“It offers a strategic platform for showcasing the city’s unique business offerings, fostering cross-border collaborations, and leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the region to drive growth and innovation.
“From retooling to investment in key manufacturing areas, it is a drive towards rehabilitation and sustainable development. In taking part at the SIW and Summit, Bulawayo businesses can amplify their visibility, expand their networks and tap into emerging opportunities within the Sadc market,” he added.
Mr Herbst said the Summit serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, market intelligence, and capacity-building, enabling Bulawayo businesses to stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments and emerging technologies that can enhance their competitiveness on a regional scale.
He said SIW was an opportunity for captains of industry to take full advantage of the Summit and identify ways they can take advantage of opportunities within the Sadc market.
Economic commentator, Mr Morris Mpala said both the SIW and the Summit were an opportunity to showcase areas of investment opportunities in the country.
“By the same token, Matabeleland businesses have to market what they offer in order to attract capital, partnership or skills transfer. The events are good networking avenues as well for different stakeholders both local and those from outside the country,” he said.
The Government expects about 300 guests and 150 companies to participate in deliberations during the SIW.
In a statement, the Sadc Secretariat said the event would enable the region to take stock of the strides it has made towards industrialisation.
It also presents a platform for Sadc member states, the private sector, international partners, policymakers, researchers, small and medium enterprises, financial institutions and civil society to share experiences on driving industrialisation and economic transformation in the region.
SIW has been held six times, starting in 2016 in Eswatini, South Africa (2017), Namibia (2018), Tanzania (2019), Malawi (2021) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2022) while Zimbabwe will host this year’s edition.
The SIW also recognises the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Entrepreneurs and businesses driving growth and innovation within the Sadc manufacturing sector are the backbone of the industry.
The SIW provides a platform for SMEs to connect with potential investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, fostering an ecosystem that supports their growth and contribution to regional manufacturing.
Civil society organisations advocating for responsible and inclusive industrial development that benefits Sadc citizens will be present at the SIW.
The SIW, which will officially be opened by President Mnangagwa on 31 July, will commence with a media awareness day on 28 July, followed by an investment conference to be presided over by Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga, on 29 July.
Plenary sessions will be held on 30 July.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Ndlovu and the private sector will host a welcome cocktail, gala dinner and fashion show on 1 August.
The events will wrap up with organised factory visits to outstanding and innovative local companies, to showcase Zimbabwe’s industrial potential.
Zimbabwe has played a crucial part in Sadc’s industrialisation endeavours. The Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap was adopted in April 2015, when Zimbabwe chaired the regional bloc.
This was a historic milestone that rallied the region to prioritise value addition and beneficiation of primary products.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu