Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is actively participating in the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show this week, under the theme, “Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Potential: Innovative Financing, Investment and Infrastructure Development for Sustainable Growth.”
The Ministry’s exhibit highlights its ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth by promoting investment in critical infrastructure and providing innovative financing solutions.
In his remarks at the opening of the Ministry’s exhibit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, emphasized the critical role of financial innovation in unlocking Zimbabwe’s economic potential.
“Our participation in this year’s Agricultural Show underscores our commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of our economy. Through innovative financing and targeted investments in infrastructure, we aim to create an enabling environment that fosters sustainable growth and development,” Ncube said.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa, also addressed attendees at the event, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
“We recognize that sustainable growth requires not only investment in infrastructure but also access to affordable financing for our farmers and agribusinesses. The Ministry is dedicated to developing financial products and mechanisms that cater specifically to the needs of our agricultural stakeholders, ensuring that they have the resources necessary to thrive,” Mnangagwa stated.
The Ministry’s exhibit features a range of initiatives and programs designed to facilitate access to finance for smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
“This includes the recently launched Agriculture Finance Corporation (AFC), which provides tailored financial products to farmers, and the Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Program (ZIIP), which focuses on developing critical infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities,” Minister Mnangagwa said
Meanwhile, visitors to the Ministry’s stand at the show are also being briefed on the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving infrastructure development. The Ministry is showcasing successful PPP projects that have contributed to the development of roads, energy, and water infrastructure across the country, and is encouraging more private sector involvement in similar initiatives.
The theme of this year’s show, “Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Potential,” resonates with the Government’s broader economic agenda, which prioritizes innovation and investment as key drivers of growth. The Ministry of Finance’s focus on innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and green bonds, aims to attract both domestic and international investors to Zimbabwe’s agricultural and infrastructure sectors.
