Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
Government has announced the establishment of three new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Mashonaland Central Province as it moves to implement the Integrated Provincial Special Economic Zones Policy aimed at accelerating rural industrialisation, value addition and economic transformation.
The announcement was made at the close of the Mashonaland Central Provincial Investment Dialogue in Mazowe, where Government unveiled the projects as part of efforts to translate policy commitments into tangible investment opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the new zones will focus on unlocking the province’s comparative advantages in energy, agriculture and mining.
“Government has now moved into the implementation phase of the historic Special Economic Zones programme and will launch the Muzarabani-Mbire Energy and Petrochemical Industrial Special Economic Zone, the Mazowe-Mvurwi Agro-Industrial and Tobacco Value Chain Special Economic Zone, and the Bindura-Shamva Mineral Beneficiation and Manufacturing Special Economic Zone,” he said.
The three zones are expected to attract investment, promote value addition and beneficiation, stimulate industrial growth and create employment opportunities across the province.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, welcomed the development, describing it as a major step towards increasing the province’s contribution to the national economy.
“We are very excited about the Special Economic Zones. This is what we want and need as a province to increase our GDP,” he said.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive economic development.
“We thank the Minister of Finance and, of course, His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for this policy. The Special Economic Zones will drive growth that benefits our people and our communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti called for enhanced fiscal support to ensure local authorities are able to transform development concepts into viable investment projects.
“We would like assistance to ensure that local authorities move from conceptualisation to bankability. If Kanyemba is to become the gateway to Central Africa, we need the supporting infrastructure to make that vision a reality,” he said.
The announcement has generated optimism among stakeholders, who view the Special Economic Zones as a catalyst for industrialisation, investment attraction, infrastructure development and sustainable job creation in Mashonaland Central.
