Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GOVERNMENT has challenged the business community to take advantage of the conducive environment availed by the Second Republic to be innovative and expand their businesses.
With Masvingo province targeting an US$8 billion economy by the year 2030, government has challenged stakeholders to adopt a culture of innovation and maximise on production.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira made the remarks at the 3rd edition of the Masvingo Achievement Awards (MAA) where individuals, companies and institutions which performed well during the course of the year were honoured.
“As a province, the economic performance for the year 2023, ZIMSTAT current statistics reflects that the real gross domestic product for Masvingo is more than 18 billion Zimbabwe Gold, contributing about 7 percent to the National GDP. It is our wish that we continue to put up measures that ensure growth of our GDP and that we meet our US$8 billion economy by 2030.”
Those who were honoured paid tribute to government for the support through ensuring a conducive operating environment for businesses.
“As a farmer, I am honoured to have been recognised at this year’s MAA awards. I am a young person who beneffited a farm under the Land Reform Programme and I am into sugarcane farming. The government has been very supportive that’s why our production continues to increase and this season, I harvested more than 120 tonnes per hectare,” a farmer said.
“I am into business and the government has put up measures that ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. We received financial support from government and it boosted our business a lot hence today we have got three branches in Masvingo and we have expanded into other towns,” said a businessperson.
Some of the institutions and individuals honoured include Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, DJ Masomere, Partland Investments, Pamushana High School and Discovery Ambulance Services among others.
