Story by Owen Mandovha
GOVERNMENT’S ease of doing business reforms are beginning to stimulate industrial expansion, with companies citing an improved operating environment as a catalyst for growth and job creation.
Harare-based AE Electrical says it is scaling up operations and increasing investment in value addition initiatives as reforms introduced under the Second Republic continue to reduce production costs and improve the business climate.
The company, which currently employs more than 120 workers, revealed plans to expand into solar products manufacturing and related value-addition projects.
“We are looking at solar products production and value addition because there are costs involved in running businesses. Government has done something that has not happened in years in terms of accelerating business expansion,” Chief Operating Officer John Chen said.
The developments emerged during a tour of the company by Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, this Tuesday.
Senator Tawengwa said the growth trajectory of the company reflects the positive impact of Government reforms aimed at enhancing industrial productivity and attracting investment.
“The Second Republic places industrial growth as a top priority, and AE demonstrates the benefits of instituting these ease-of-doing-business reforms. They are looking at expanding, which shows the benefits of improving the operating environment,” he said.
Established more than three decades ago in Zimbabwe, AE Electrical has expanded its footprint into several Southern African countries and continues to position itself as a regional player in the electrical manufacturing sector.
