Staff Reporter
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, has commissioned the Local Content Steering Committee for the Zimbabwe Manufacturing Sector.

This event, held at Mukwati Building in Harare yesterday, marks a key milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) for 2024-2025.
The establishment of this committee underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering local production, reducing dependency on imports, and fostering sustainable growth within Zimbabwe’s manufacturing industry.
Aimed at enhancing industrial capacity, creating jobs, and driving economic self-sufficiency, the ZIRGP aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader objectives of economic resilience and independence.
The newly formed Local Content Steering Committee is tasked with guiding and enforcing local content policies within the manufacturing sector.
These policies prioritise the use of locally sourced materials and services, a strategy anticipated to boost domestic industries, cut down the trade deficit, and stimulate Zimbabwe’s overall economic development.
"The commissioning of the Local Content Steering Committee is a key milestone in our mission to transform the manufacturing sector. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that local industries play a central role in our economic recovery. The committee will work to create an environment that encourages businesses to adopt local sourcing practices and helps boost the national economy," said Minister Ndlovu.
Comprised of industry experts, private sector leaders, and government officials, the committee’s focus will be on identifying sectors with high local content potential, establishing implementation guidelines, and ensuring adherence to local content policies across various industries.
Part of its mandate will include tracking and assessing the economic impact of these policies, with the goal of stimulating domestic production.
"Our goal is to promote an industrial ecosystem where local producers have the capacity to meet the needs of Zimbabwean industries. We want to build resilience, foster innovation, and create jobs through the promotion of local content," Minister Ndhlovu added.
Launched as a cornerstone of President Mnangagwa’s industrial growth vision, the ZIRGP aims to diversify Zimbabwe’s economy and ensure the country’s manufacturing sector remains competitive in both regional and global markets.
The Local Content Steering Committee is seen as a foundational element of this plan, promoting an inclusive and sustainable industrial ecosystem that leverages Zimbabwe’s resources.
The committee’s performance will be closely monitored, with its success expected to play a vital role in achieving the ZIRGP’s objectives, particularly in creating a resilient, self-reliant manufacturing sector capable of driving Zimbabwe’s long-term economic growth and stability.
Industry stakeholders have expressed support for the initiative, optimistic that the committee will address key challenges facing local manufacturers, such as limited access to raw materials, high production costs, and reliance on imported goods.
Meanwhile, government’s local content policy aims to incentivise the use of domestic resources, thereby fostering innovation, improving product quality, and elevating Zimbabwe’s competitiveness on the regional and international stage.