Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has set an ambitious target to almost double the value of manufactured exports to US$1 billion by 2030 as the Government intensifies efforts to accelerate industrialisation, value addition and foreign currency generation.
Data from ZimTrade indicates that manufactured exports in 2025 stood at US$584,8 million, comprising iron and steel, tobacco, clothing and textile products, and industrial chemicals, among others.
In an interview, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba said Government’s strategy was to transform Zimbabwe from a commodity-exporting economy into a competitive manufacturing and export hub.
“Our target is bold, but in time it will be reached.
“We expect to scale up manufactured exports to achieve the benchmark contribution of at least US$1 billion annually by 2030,” said Amb Chifamba.
The export drive forms part of broader efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), while positioning local industry to take advantage of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Recently, in his address to industrialists, exporters and policymakers during an export development breakfast meeting in Harare, Amb Chifamba said the Government was pursuing an aggressive industrialisation programme anchored on value addition and beneficiation.
The target represents an increase from the current level of manufactured exports and comes as authorities seek to reduce the country’s dependence on primary commodity exports.
He said Zimbabwe’s long-term competitiveness would depend on its ability to move up the value chain and increase production of finished goods.
“To achieve this, we cannot remain an economy that predominantly exports raw materials.
“We must fundamentally transition from a commodity-based economy into a high-value, innovation and knowledge-driven economy powered by intense industrial investment,” said Amb Chifamba.
The Government is targeting a manufacturing sector contribution of at least 25 percent to Gross Domestic Product under Vision 2030 and NDS2, compared to the current 16 percent.
To achieve this, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is preparing to roll out the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP 2), which prioritises increased manufacturing output, higher capacity utilisation and stronger export performance.
Amb Chifamba said the country was also implementing measures to address concerns raised by industry, including high production costs, ageing industrial equipment, intermittent utility supplies and logistical inefficiencies.
“Let me assure you, the Government of Zimbabwe will actively execute a second strategy to shift our position from a potential infant market to a highly competitive exporting powerhouse.”
The Government is also promoting value addition across strategic sectors such as iron and steel, leather, sugar and agro-processing while discouraging the export of raw and semi-processed products.
“The Ministry is heading a massive structural shift built upon value-addition and energy sharing, moving production systems away from primary raw extraction and up the value-added inputs of this sector.
“We are consolidating key sectors such as leather, sugar and iron and steel. Moving forward, we would like to discourage raw and semi-processed goods,” said Amb Chifamba.
He said success would require strong collaboration between Government and the private sector, investment in productive infrastructure, compliance with international standards and a sustained focus on export competitiveness.
In her remarks, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Ms Sekai Kuvarika said the country should progress from building competitiveness to upgrading industry and eventually becoming a dominant exporter in selected sectors.
“Our industrialisation strategy is built around three stages: improving competitiveness, upgrading industry and achieving leadership in selected export markets.
“To succeed, we need stronger collaboration between Government and the private sector to turn proposals into practical results.
“We have seen similar approaches delivering positive outcomes in South Africa. That is why we are calling for a more focused PPP that will help implement concrete strategies and achieve the results we seek,” she said.
Traditionally, Zimbabwe’s export earnings have been dominated by primary commodities such as minerals and agricultural products, exposing the economy to fluctuations in global commodity prices.
Through policies promoting beneficiation, industrial upgrading and participation in the AfCFTA, the Government aims to strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs, increase foreign currency earnings and improve the country’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
