Story by Owen Mandovha
INVESTMENT in key utilities and infrastructure has been identified as essential to achieving Zimbabwe’s industrialisation goals.
The issue emerged on the final day of the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) in Harare on Friday, where delegates underscored the importance of infrastructure in supporting industrial growth.
Participants said the country’s industrialisation drive depends on sustained investment in critical infrastructure, including roads, rail, water and electricity.
Highlighting progress in the energy sector, Zimbabwe has recorded 251 consecutive days without load-shedding following investment in Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is also planning to invest in solar energy projects.
“Hwange 7 and 8 have allowed us to increase power generation by almost 600 megawatts; hence, we have sustained this longest run without load-shedding. We are also going to invest in solar energy,” ZESA Managing Director Engineer Cletus Nyachowe said.
Delegates also identified logistics as a key driver of industrialisation and trade, calling for increased investment in transport infrastructure.
BAK Logistics Chief Executive Officer Mrs Mary Machingaidze said modern transport infrastructure remains essential in facilitating trade and strengthening industrial growth.
“Trade is made possible if the logistical infrastructure is up to standard; hence investment in these is essential to drive robust industrialisation.”
The conference also highlighted the potential of strengthening Zimbabwe’s leather value chain to reduce imports and support employment.
“There are many spinoffs in terms of supporting the leather industry value chain, which supports jobs. Government is the main buyer of goods, which means it needs to support youths, SMEs, and women by buying from them,” Africa Leather Products Institute Executive Director Mr Nicholas Mudungwe said.
The Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) said the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo had succeeded in highlighting issues requiring urgent attention to support the country’s industrialisation objectives.
