Story by John Nhandara
THE Harare Metropolitan Province is implementing ease of doing business reforms aimed at attracting domestic and foreign capital into sectors poised for rapid growth
The two-day Harare Investment and Business Conference has ended in the capital, with the key takeaways being the need to unlock investment opportunities in the province.
“We are achieving a lot through devolution, and this has been a platform to unpack the potential of Harare province with all stakeholders here present,” Director, Department of Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Mr Irvene Murombedzi said.
The province’s untapped potential in areas of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and tourism was cited as critical for provincial economic upliftment.
“We have a huge potential in the tourism sector, in particular MICE. We have about 4 000 rooms against a demand of 10 000 hence the need to invest in this sector,” Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa said.
There was further emphasis on the role and contribution of small to medium enterprises to the provincial economy.
“We cannot underestimate the role of SMEs in Harare province. We have already started a process to review levies and licenses to promote ease of doing business and participation of SMEs in the mainstream economy,” Chief Director, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Engineer Francis Gondo said.
According to statistics from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), Harare Metropolitan Province continues to attract a significant number of investors, with the province contributing more than 23 % to the country’s gross domestic product.
