Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
UMGUZA-THE Government has re-emphasised the critical role of the private sector in national development through enhanced participation in key projects.
Now in its second day, the Matabeleland North Investment Indaba 2025 has brought together stakeholders from across various sectors to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure, transport, mining, energy, and value addition.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in attaining the country’s developmental aspirations.
“We are currently developing the NDS2, so we hope that the interactions from this Conference will also be an input into sharpening our second plan for the Republic,” he said.
He added that real economic transformation can only be achieved when the private sector becomes an active driver of national and provincial initiatives.
Other delegates echoed the minister’s sentiments, underscoring the economic promise of Matabeleland North and the strategic importance of aligning capital markets with local projects.
“This is an event which brings together various parties, project owners, and the capital markets and looking at the potential embedded in the region of Matebeleland North, it is a platform which will contribute to the unlocking of value in Matebeleland North,” Engineer William Gambiza said.
With a rich endowment of natural resources and a strategic geographic location, the province has been earmarked for major infrastructure development and industrialisation.
Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway General Manager, Mr Khumbulani Mabvura, stressed the urgent need for investments in the rail sector to reduce pressure on road infrastructure.
“The Victoria Falls Road, which the government is currently rehabilitating, may face deterioration again in the next two years due to the growing number of heavy trucks. We are seeking investment for our railway line along that corridor to protect our road infrastructure and increase value by transporting bulk goods via rail,” he said.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo, said the time for rhetoric is over, and the province is now pursuing actionable investment outcomes.
“This conference, being held under the theme, ‘Driving Socio-Economic Growth through Strategic Investments in Infrastructure and Value Addition’ is not just a dialogue, it is a strategic call to action. It reaffirms our collective vision to unlock the vast potential lying in our natural endowments, human capital, and strategic location,” he said.
Matabeleland North remains a key contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, with renewed focus now being placed on mining value chains, renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism.
The province aims to increase its contribution to national GDP through private sector-led development and devolution-aligned investment strategies.
