Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has taken bold steps to maximize benefits from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing energy development, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation.
This commitment was reaffirmed recently during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in Accra, Ghana, where policymakers and business leaders gathered to discuss strategies for boosting intra-African trade and economic integration.
With Africa facing low intra-continental trade levels and economic challenges, AfCFTA provides a blueprint for sustainable growth.
Speaking on energy and development, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Engineer Gloria Magombo, outlined Zimbabwe’s policy reforms aimed at attracting private-sector investment into the energy sector.
“We have changed our legal and regulatory framework to create policies that allow the private sector to develop projects and sell energy to both utilities and private enterprises. Africa must move beyond just extracting and exporting raw minerals. Renewable energy technologies require cobalt, lithium, copper, and nickel—resources that Africa possesses in abundance. If we partner with investors who focus on value addition, we will retain more economic benefits within our countries and build capacity to finance our own projects.
“Zimbabwe’s focus on energy infrastructure development aligns with AfCFTA’s goal of creating an integrated market by ensuring reliable power supply to support industries and trade across the continent,” saidEngineer Magombo.
Zimbabwe is also prioritizing digital transformation to foster a seamless, borderless economy under AfCFTA.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr. Beaullah Chirume, emphasized the importance of strong digital infrastructure to enhance trade and economic efficiency.
“Zimbabwe is fully on board with AfCFTA’s vision. To enhance intra-African trade and economic integration, we must ensure high-quality digital connectivity that eliminates barriers between African nations. There should be no difference in communication and business efficiency between Ghana, Zimbabwe, and other African countries. Connectivity is crucial for streamlining business operations and promoting trade collaboration.
“A digitally connected Africa will enable e-commerce expansion, financial inclusion, and cross-border trade, making it easier for businesses to operate seamlessly across markets,” said Dr Chirume.
Zimbabwe is also strengthening its trade infrastructure to facilitate increased business within Africa.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer, Allan Majuru, highlighted the country’s efforts to enhance transportation networks to unlock new markets.
“The dialogue at this summit focuses on expanding trade, and Zimbabwe has made significant progress. We have developed key highways that serve as gateways to African markets. This is crucial for increasing intra-African trade and positioning Zimbabwe as a strong player in continental commerce.
“Currently, intra-African trade stands at only 15-17%, indicating vast opportunities for growth. Zimbabwe is actively pushing for value addition of raw materials such as minerals and agricultural products to maximize export earnings and create jobs within the country,” he explained.
With AfCFTA offering access to a 1.3 billion consumer market and a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to leverage its strengths in energy, digital infrastructure, and trade facilitation.
By implementing pro-business policies and investing in value addition and connectivity, the country is set to become a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
