Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for accelerated investment in green industrialisation, saying environmentally sustainable industries will be central to Zimbabwe’s long-term economic competitiveness and modernisation.
Speaking at the official opening of the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo in Harare on Thursday, the President said industrial growth must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability.
He noted that more than 65 percent of local firms have already invested in environmentally friendly technologies, reflecting growing momentum towards cleaner production.
“The country’s present modernisation and industrialisation should be accompanied by sustainability. The future belongs to industries that are energy-efficient, environmentally responsible and climate-resilient.
“Green industrialisation presents Zimbabwe with an opportunity to build competitive industries while preserving our natural heritage for future generations. I call upon all sectors of the economy to adjust processes and technologies with this reality in mind,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining policy certainty and a conducive investment climate but stressed that achieving national development goals requires a collective effort.
“The future of our nation is bright. Be assured of policy certainty and an enabling environment for business diversification and growth. However, Government policy alone will not suffice. Industry must invest and innovate, financial institutions must provide affordable capital, and academia must ensure relevant knowledge and skills. Development partners are always welcome to support and complement the ongoing transformative national development agenda,” he said.
The President said findings from the State of Industry 2027 Prospects Study showed the country’s industrial sector had made significant progress under the Second Republic, while highlighting areas requiring further investment.
“The Study outlines the substantial progress realised to stimulate structural transformation… However, more work must be done to harness opportunities for import substitution, industrial expansion and regional exports.
“The need to beneficiate iron and steel, lithium, cement, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, leather, cotton, fertilisers, dairy, oilseed processing, as well as sugar, grains, logistics and packaging, are areas deserving attention from us all.
“The Study confirms that Zimbabwe’s industrial sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, recording capacity utilisation of 61.2 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 35 percent in 2019,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also challenged industry to deepen investment in research, development, innovation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
“The connection between industrialisation, research, development, technology and innovation cannot be overlooked. It is commendable that a notable number of local firms have deployed technology upgrades, including artificial intelligence, to improve production efficiencies.
“Under the Second Republic, industrial innovation must translate into stronger domestic value chains, supplier development programmes, industrial clusters and local procurement initiatives that deepen backward and forward linkages,” he said.
The conference highlighted the growing collaboration between Government and the private sector as Zimbabwe pursues its industrialisation agenda under Vision 2030.
