Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has unveiled the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) for the period 2024-2025, aiming to tackle pressing challenges in the manufacturing and commercial sectors. This initiative succeeds the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP) 2019-2023, which concluded in December 2023.
Speaking at a strategic planning workshop at the Golden Peacock Hotel yesterday, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu, emphasized the alignment of the Zimbabwe Industrial Revolution Growth Plan (ZIRGP) with the National Development Strategy 2 (2026-2030).
“The plan focuses on enhancing value addition and beneficiation in key sectors like agriculture and mining, with the goal of transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous, empowered upper middle-income society by 2030. As we assumed the SADC Chairmanship, we have a unique opportunity to leverage this position to advance our strategic goals," he stated
Minister Ndlovu reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to closely monitoring the complex environment in which industries operate, considering both domestic macroeconomic conditions and global developments.
“The importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including other ministries, the private sector, and academia, to develop innovative, climate-smart strategies. While acknowledging the progress made, We noted ongoing challenges such as the lingering effects of COVID-19, climate change, and geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine.
“I urge a focus on megatrends like renewable energy transitions and demographic shifts to navigate these complexities. Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry's strategic priorities will include strengthening value chains in agriculture and mining, combating business malpractices, and implementing supportive policies to stabilize commerce and protect local manufacturing. We will prioritize the development and strengthening of existing value chains in agriculture and mining, while also promoting innovation, investment, and collaboration among stakeholders, with an emphasis on emerging value chains like lithium," he stated.
Furthermore, Minister Ndlovu stressed the critical importance of combating business malpractices to ensure the sustainability of local manufacturing and promote job creation.
“Unethical business practices, such as price manipulation and unfair competition, undermine the growth of domestic industries and limit the potential for innovation and expansion. To address these issues, the Ministry is set to introduce effective policy interventions aimed at streamlining regulations and making it easier for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to access the necessary resources and support.
“Creating a fair and transparent business environment is key to unlocking the potential of our local manufacturers and empowering small enterprises. We are committed to implementing policies that not only regulate but also facilitate growth, ensuring that SMEs have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. This approach, will strengthen local production, enhance competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to job creation and economic stability," Minister Ndlovu remarked.
As Zimbabwe embarks on this ambitious path, stakeholders are urged to collaborate in fostering innovative strategies that address both domestic and global economic challenges, positioning the nation for sustainable growth.
