Staff Reporter
Harare Metropolitan Province is set to strengthen its role as Zimbabwe’s economic engine, with plans to increase its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) beyond the current 23.3%.
This was revealed during the Harare Metropolitan Provincial Development Dialogue held in the capital yesterday, a critical engagement co-hosted by the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) to shape the province’s priorities as the nation transitions from National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2.
Speaking at the dialogue, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tavengwa, emphasized the province’s strategic role in realising Vision 2030. He noted that Harare remains the highest provincial contributor to Zimbabwe’s national income and must therefore lead by example in accelerating development.
“Harare is the economic heartbeat of the country, and with 23.3% of the GDP under its belt as of 2023, we must harness our potential to drive industrial productivity, improve service delivery, and broaden investment,” he said.
The dialogue brought together senior Government officials, policymakers, the private sector, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and urban council representatives to explore practical approaches to urban transformation, infrastructure renewal, and inclusive development.
Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Willard Manungo, praised the event as a meaningful platform for transparency and innovation. He highlighted the importance of decentralised planning and citizen engagement in shaping impactful, context-specific solutions.
“This kind of dialogue bridges gaps between Government and citizens. It creates mutual trust and allows for solutions that speak directly to Harare’s unique challenges. The national vision must be locally grounded,” he said.
Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, echoed these sentiments while calling for urgent reforms in service delivery. He pointed to the findings from the recent Commission of Inquiry into the management of the City of Harare, highlighting public frustration over water shortages, waste management failures, and weak municipal oversight.
“It’s time to act. The people of Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa, and Epworth are demanding clean governance and results, not more roundtable talk. We are on the brink of a turnaround moment if we commit to action,” said Muguti.
Private sector representatives and civil society players welcomed the inclusive approach.
SMEs Advisory Board Member, Taurai Marembo, stressed that entrepreneurs must be part of the economic conversation, while Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe Secretary-General, Mr Livison Mutekede, applauded the focus on collaborative development.
The dialogue, themed “Towards Inclusive Socio-Economic Transformation — Leaving No One and No Place Behind,” reaffirmed that with unified vision, Harare Province can amplify its economic footprint and become a model for urban resilience and prosperity across Zimbabwe.
