Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
JOURNALISTS must become ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s industrial transformation by producing stories that inspire investor confidence, promote innovation and support inclusive economic growth, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
Addressing Media Awareness Day at the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre in Harare on Wednesday, Dr Soda challenged media practitioners to play a more strategic role in advancing the country’s industrialisation agenda through balanced, development-focused reporting.
“I call upon every media practitioner here present today, to become an ambassador of Zimbabwe’s industrial transformation journey. Let your reporting inspire confidence, promote investment, celebrate innovation and foster informed public discourse that contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Dr Soda said the media has a critical responsibility to shape public understanding of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive by highlighting investment opportunities, technological innovation and value addition initiatives that support national development.
“As communicators, you are not merely observers of development; you are partners in this development. Through factual, balanced and analytical reporting, you help citizens understand Government programmes and projects, assist investors to identify opportunities and showcase Zimbabwe’s industrial potential to regional and international markets,” he said.
Minister Soda said Government remains committed to transparency, openness and constructive engagement with the media, noting that an informed public is better positioned to innovate, invest and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo provides a platform to demonstrate the country’s progress in expanding industrial capacity, creating employment, adding value to natural resources and enhancing competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The Minister noted that the expo showcases investment opportunities across key manufacturing value chains, including agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, engineering, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital technology, logistics and infrastructure.
He said the exhibition also creates opportunities for business-to-business engagements, strategic partnerships and direct links between investors and industry.
Dr Soda commended the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS), ZimTrade and other partners for organising the conference and expressed confidence that the event would contribute to accelerating Zimbabwe’s industrial transformation.
Running for three days, the Zimbabwe Industrialization Conference and Expo will be officially opened by His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.
