Online Reporter
Online Reporter
Zvishavane is set to become the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s mining industry tomorrow as the highly anticipated MINEX Expo 2026 takes centre stage at Gresham Grounds — an event widely regarded as a strategic pillar in advancing the country’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 agenda.
At a time when Zimbabwe is accelerating efforts to achieve an upper-middle-income economy, the mining sector continues to stand as a cornerstone of economic transformation. Contributing over 75% of the country’s export earnings and employing hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly, the sector is not only a revenue driver but a critical enabler of industrialisation, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.
Against this backdrop, MINEX 2026 arrives as more than just an exhibition — it is a policy-aligned platform that reinforces the NDS2 thrust on value addition, formalisation, financial inclusion, and sustainable resource utilisation.
Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Midlands Provincial Chairman, Makumba Nyenje, emphasized that the expo comes at a decisive moment for small-scale miners, who account for a significant share of gold output. Recent figures indicate that artisanal and small-scale miners contribute over 60% of Zimbabwe’s gold deliveries, translating to billions of dollars in annual revenue. This underscores the importance of structured platforms like MINEX in formalising operations and enhancing productivity.
The expo is expected to attract more than 300 small-scale miners from key mining districts, alongside government officials, financial institutions, and technology providers. The presence of the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, further signals government commitment to strengthening the sector in line with NDS2 priorities.
In an interview, MINEX Communications Manager Moses Charedzera expressed optimism about the impact of this year’s edition:
“We are excited about this year’s Expo and the momentum we are seeing across the mining sector. MINEX 2026 is not just about exhibitions — it is about unlocking real opportunities. We are bringing miners closer to financiers, modern technologies, and regulatory frameworks that enhance efficiency and compliance.”
Charedzera added that the expo is deliberately aligned with national development goals:
“As we move under NDS2, the focus is on productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through MINEX, we are promoting safer mining practices, environmental stewardship, and access to capital — all of which are critical in transforming small-scale miners into bankable and globally competitive entities.”
He further highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration:
“We are seeing increased interest in mechanisation and digital solutions within the sector. MINEX provides a platform where these innovations meet the miner on the ground. This is how we close the gap between potential and performance.”
From a mathematical perspective, the significance of such an initiative becomes even clearer. With artisanal and small-scale miners contributing over 60% of gold output, even a modest 10–15% improvement in efficiency through formalisation, access to finance, and technology adoption could translate into substantial increases in national gold deliveries and foreign currency inflows. This has a direct multiplier effect on GDP growth, employment creation, and economic resilience — key pillars of NDS2.
Moreover, with over 2 million people linked to artisanal and small-scale mining, the ripple effects of MINEX extend beyond the mines — impacting livelihoods, rural development, and national economic stability.
As stakeholders converge in Zvishavane, MINEX 2026 is poised to serve as a catalyst for actionable solutions — bridging the gap between policy and practice, and between opportunity and implementation.
In essence, the expo represents a convergence point where vision meets execution — a platform where Zimbabwe’s mining sector not only reflects on its progress but actively shapes its future under NDS2.
With energy building and expectations high, Zvishavane stands ready to host an event that is not just about mining — but about driving Zimbabwe forward.
