Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MASVINGO Province is making significant strides towards its ambitious target of building an US$8 billion economy by 2030, with stakeholders crediting Government-led development programmes for improving livelihoods, boosting food security and creating new economic opportunities across communities.
The progress was highlighted during a provincial luncheon held over the weekend to celebrate development milestones achieved under the Second Republic and to honour Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira and Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa after they were recognised as the country’s best-performing provincial leadership team for two consecutive years.
Stakeholders from various sectors said Government interventions in agriculture, irrigation development, village business units and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are driving inclusive growth and accelerating economic transformation across the province.
SME stakeholder Mr Venancio Kurauone said Government empowerment programmes have enabled entrepreneurs to expand their operations while creating opportunities for women, youths and people with disabilities.
“We are excited by the developments taking place in Masvingo Province under the Second Republic. In the SME sector, many people have received funding to expand their businesses, while workspaces have been established to support entrepreneurs. Women, youths and people with disabilities have also benefited from empowerment programmes, resulting in significant socio-economic development,” he said.
Traditional leader Chief Nemamwa said initiatives such as the Pfumvudza climate-proofed agriculture programme, borehole drilling, irrigation development and Village Business Units have transformed rural communities by improving food security and access to water.
“We have witnessed remarkable transformation within our communities. Since the introduction of Pfumvudza, food security has improved significantly. We have also seen the establishment of Village Business Units, the drilling of boreholes and the development of irrigation schemes, all of which are benefiting local people. These initiatives have enabled communities to produce crops throughout the year,” he said.
ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Vice Chairperson Cde Trust Mugabe praised the collaboration between Government and the ruling party in implementing development programmes.
“We are pleased with the close collaboration between Government and the party. Our objective is to improve the livelihoods of our people, and we appreciate the guidance and leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in driving this development agenda,” he said.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Honourable Chadzamira said Masvingo remains committed to achieving its economic growth targets through coordinated development efforts and effective utilisation of local resources.
“We set a vision for Masvingo Province. We declared that Masvingo would not only be a province of historical significance but also one of modern excellence. We remain committed to harnessing our resources for the benefit of our communities,” he said.
“Let us remain focused and continue working together as we pursue our goal of achieving an US$8 billion economy by 2030.”
Guest of honour and businessman Mr Stanley Kondongwe urged stakeholders to ensure development remains inclusive and benefits ordinary citizens.
“Our success as Masvingo Province brings with it greater responsibility because our journey continues under the National Development Strategy and Vision 2030. We must plan with foresight, develop with purpose and invest in initiatives that improve livelihoods so that progress is felt in every household and not merely reflected in reports,” he said.
The province continues to record growth across key sectors including agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, tourism and rural industrialisation, positioning Masvingo as one of Zimbabwe’s leading contributors to economic expansion under Vision 2030.
