Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has recorded a sharp rise in locally manufactured goods and export earnings, with Government reaffirming its commitment to building an export-driven, youth-powered economy.
An estimated 80 percent of goods currently on retail shelves across the country are now produced locally, while manufactured exports have surged to US$571 million as of 2025. This represents a significant increase from 2018, when manufactured exports stood at US$191 million and locally produced goods accounted for just 53 percent of retail shelf space. Government is targeting US$1 billion in manufactured exports by 2030.
The figures were revealed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, during the 2026 Annual Convention of the Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) under the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Zimbabwe West Union Conference (ZWUC) chapter.
The convention, which began yesterday, Friday, 27 February 2026, and ends on Sunday, 1 March 2026, is being held at Solusi University under the theme, “ZWUC-ASI: A Partner in Nation Building and Social Transformation.” The gathering seeks to strengthen business acumen among delegates, with particular emphasis on empowering young entrepreneurs.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr Brighton Ndebele, Minister Ndhlovu challenged young people to take a leading role in transforming the nation through innovation and enterprise.
“Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. I stand not merely to deliver a speech, but to issue a challenge; a challenge to the bright and ambitious young minds gathered here at Solusi University. The future of Zimbabwe’s economy will not be built by spectators. It will be built by participants, innovators, risk-takers, and young entrepreneurs who dare to transform ideas into industries and ambition into tangible economic progress,” he said.
Minister Ndhlovu said the Government had deliberately prioritised economic transformation through structured policy frameworks such as the National Development Strategy.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has deliberately placed economic transformation at the centre of national development. Through the National Development Strategy and targeted industrial policy reforms, Zimbabwe is undergoing structural transformation anchored on value addition and beneficiation, industrial resuscitation, rural industrialisation, local content development, and youth economic empowerment,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe had moved from being largely dependent on imports to strengthening domestic production capacity through deliberate policy interventions and support for local industry.
“The above-mentioned transformations mean more than just economic growth; they signify an industrial rebirth. Our roots are deep, and now our branches are stretching beyond our borders. To the youth, this is your moment. We are no longer building an economy of survival, but an economy of creators, innovators and exporters ready to compete on the global stage,” he said.
Minister Ndhlovu further noted that manufacturing sector capacity utilisation, which had previously declined, is steadily improving and is currently averaging above 50 percent. Government has set a target of reaching 75 percent by 2035 under the Local Content Strategy.
“This is not merely a statistic; it represents factories reopening, machines humming again, industries regaining momentum and opportunities multiplying; with the youth positioned at every step of our journey towards Vision 2030,” he said.
With Zimbabwe endowed with vast agricultural and mineral resources, the Minister said the sectors offer significant opportunities for young entrepreneurs and industrial leaders as the country advances towards sustainable industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
