Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu in Osaka, Japan
VICE-President Kembo Mohadi yesterday toured the prestigious Manufacturing World Osaka, a premier international exhibition that brings together global leaders and innovators in the manufacturing sector.
The event, which runs from 1 to 3 October, is widely regarded as one of the most influential platforms for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, automation solutions, advanced materials, and industrial machinery. It also serves as a vital hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and forging strategic business partnerships.
VP Mohadi, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Housing and Social Amenities Musa Ncube and Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services Mercy Dinha, joined thousands of international delegates exploring opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer.
During the tour, the Vice- President visited several leading exhibitions, including Taural India Pvt Ltd, an aluminium casting firm that supplies the energy, defence, railway, and infrastructure sectors, and Dekk Pipes Prefabrication of Poland, which specialises in prefabricated products and logistics solutions.
Speaking in an interview, VP Mohadi described the expo as an “eye-opener” that would help Zimbabwe benchmark its industrial growth against global standards.
“Japan has moved with technology, and we, as Zimbabweans, are moving in that same direction. What we are seeing here are companies that are well advanced in technology. When we return home, we can encourage our industries to visit such firms and learn from them,” he said.
The Vice-President said that the visit was not only about exposure but also about encouraging technology and skills transfer from Japan to Zimbabwe — a process that has already proven valuable in sectors such as health, education, and manufacturing.
He emphasised that initiatives like the Osaka Expo provide opportunities to connect with global partners, attract investment, and modernise local industries.
Taural India Pvt Ltd’s Managing Director, Mr Bharat Gite, expressed optimism about Zimbabwe’s potential in the aluminium casting industry.
“We were honoured to host the Honourable Vice-President at our stall. Aluminium casting is a very labour-intensive job where we need a large workforce. The Western world has turned to China and India for casting, but if saturation occurs in these markets, Zimbabwe and other African countries stand to benefit. Our next step is to come to Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Government of Zimbabwe has identified industrialisation and value addition as key pillars under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), with a focus on reviving industries, creating jobs, and boosting exports. Partnerships with global players and access to modern technologies are seen as critical drivers of this transformation.
Events such as Manufacturing World Osaka offer Zimbabwe valuable opportunities to learn from established industrial economies, attract foreign investment, and foster the kind of technology transfer that could accelerate the country’s reindustrialisation agenda.
The Manufacturing World Expo Osaka 2025 continues until Friday, drawing participants from across the globe.
