by Tapiwa Mutonhodzi
The transformation of Zimbabwe’s economy has begun to take its course as Government commits itself to economic activities.
Committing himself to the much envisaged Zimbabwe economic transformation, acting President Constantino Chiwenga, during his recent tour of Kanyemba in Mashonaland Central explained that the country’s leadership was now focussing on an economic turnaround which is set to catapult the country into a middle income economy by 2030.
In line with the transformation of Zimbabwe’s economy activities, Kanyemba being a marginalised region, Government has committed itself to ensure that productive projects are put in place the area. A number of projects have been earmarked for implementation by Government of which some of them include the following; rehabilitation of the 148-kilometre road from Mahuhwe to Kanyemba, construction of an irrigation scheme in Dande Valley for sugarcane and citrus projects. Government would also see the upgrading of Maringa Clinic to a referral district hospital and also upgrading the reception of television and radio.
On another note, Kanyemba has the potential of cutting the distance short from Zimbabwe to Tanzania. Due to the later, Government has been motivated to soon construct a bridge across the Zambezi River at Kanyemba to complete the refurbishment of Kanyemba Border Post and breathe life economically to the community.
At Kanyemba, developments have already kick started with the construction of a ferry that should soon be completed. The ferry would be tasked with transporting goods into Zambia and Mozambique from Kanyemba Border Post.
Zimbabwe currently has committed itself to implement devolution. Government initiatives at Kanyemba are exemplary of devolution that should occur across the country, in cognisant of revamping economic activities in every Province.
Under devolution Government should ensure economic activities are managed at Provincial level. This should enable the setting up of economic targets for each Province utilising the resources available within the province.
In this light the Second Republic has urged Zimbabweans from all walks of life to take part in economic building activities. Since November last year, the ushering in of the New Dispensation brought with it positive economic expectations centred on rebuilding and growing the economy, which should be a continuous process in the Second Republic.
Government under this new economic thrust has managed to encourage domestic and foreign companies to build up trust and take part in Zimbabwe’s economic rebuilding initiatives in the country’s Provinces.
Under the Second Republic, youths are being trained to take part in devolution through Vocational Training Centres (VCTs). VCTs have already been imparting the relevant skills to youths. Government has since commenced setting up VCTs across the country’s districts where the youths are expected to take part in economic activities through devolution at Provincial level.
Relatedly Government has already considered economic engagement with every economic sector to achieve the Second Republic mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for Business.”
Adding to the positive achievements attained by the Command Agriculture programme and the Presidential Input Scheme which has recently launched and promised timeous distribution of inputs to commercial and communal farmers, from this year onwards, inputs shall be distributed to small scale farmers by September to boost productivity through early disbursement of inputs.
Relatedly the Agriculture Bank of Zimbabwe has embarked on an initiative to compliment the missing link between agriculture produce and value addition through the unveiling of a $60 million loan facility. This initiative should close the gap between agriculture produce and value addition to promote exports by the country’s agriculture sector resulting in the reduction of Zimbabwe’s trade deficit.
Value addition and capacitating exporters has become top priority for the development of our economy. Zimbabwe currently remains in dare need of export centred economic activities that should sink in with youthful entrepreneurs as the drivers of economic success.
The country remains blessed with the leadership that has a futuristic vision to ensure that Zimbabwe’s economic activities are prioritised. Ever since his inauguration as the country’s President, President E. D. Mnangagwa has not looked back or faltered but keeps advancing the interests of the nation first. The swearing in of Zimbabwe’s 9th Parliament should ensure the transformation of the country’s economic development programmes remain on course.
