Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
BULAWAYO’s industrial recovery is gaining momentum, with manufacturing capacity utilisation rising to 51,2 percent by July 2026, while investments exceeding US$100 million over the past two years signal renewed confidence in the city’s productive sector.
Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the improvement reflected growing investor confidence, although significant spare capacity remained in the sector.
Speaking during the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, he said manufacturing capacity utilisation had increased from 45 percent in 2024 to 51,2 percent between 2025 and July 2026.
Mr Ndlovu said the investments represented new industrial projects rather than the revival of old factories.
“In the last two years alone, investment in manufacturing sector here in Bulawayo has surpassed US$100 million.
“Several companies are coming to Bulawayo.
“These are not reviving old factories, but these are new investments coming here.”
Bulawayo, traditionally one of Zimbabwe’s major industrial centres, has endured years of deindustrialisation, factory closures and declining manufacturing activity.
The minister said Government was also working to strengthen linkages between Bulawayo’s foundry industry and the Manhize Steel Plant to support local manufacturing.
“Where we have a challenge is to deepen the linkage between the foundry sector of Bulawayo and Manhize Steel Plant.
“So we are working on making sure that these are strengthened.”
Stronger industrial linkages could support local value addition, import substitution and employment creation.
