Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE forthcoming SADC Industrialisation Week, which will run from the 28th of July to the 2nd of August, will be an opportunity for Masvingo province to market its vast agriculture and tourism opportunities given that the province houses more than 50 per cent of the country’s water bodies.
Located in the southeastern region of Zimbabwe, Masvingo province has an economy largely centred on agriculture and tourism.
The province boasts more than 50 percent of water bodies in the country, among them the largest inland dam Tugwi Mukosi, whose masterplan was recently approved, Lake Mutirikwi and an earmarked Tende-Runde dam, hence vast opportunities for investors in the SADC region in irrigation development given the threats of climate change.
Again, in the tourism sector, Masvingo province is home to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a World Heritage Site which Zimbabwe draws its name from, Gonarezhou National Park and Chilojo Cliffs, among others.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said the upcoming SADC summit will be an opportunity to market Masvingo’s investment opportunities to member states in various sectors of the economy.
“Hosting such a high-profile event can bring economic benefits not only to Masvingo province but to Zimbabwe as a whole through increased tourism, investment opportunities and international visibility. It can also showcase the country’s potential as a hub for regional cooperation and development initiatives,” he said.
In terms of development, Masvingo Province has also seen a massive increase in industrialisation under the Second Republic through the upgrading of lithium giant, Bikita Minerals, the establishment of the Mwenezi Marula plant, Zimbabwe Zhongxing Smelting plant, Great Zimbabwe Mini-Hydro power station and the expansion of sugarcane plantations in the Lowveld among other developments.
“Masvingo province is known for its rich agricultural potential, with a focus on maize, traditional grains, and livestock production. We are also promoting value addition to our agricultural products especially sugarcane to sugar in the Lowveld. We have seen investors coming in to revive our Lithium giant Bikita Minerals among other Devolution projects that are benefiting our people,” he added.
The coming in of President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the SADC Chairperson will see Zimbabwe playing a critical role in shaping the regional agenda, and promoting peace and unity.
“Hosting the SADC Summit and having President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the incoming Chairman showcase Zimbabwe’s leadership role within the regional block. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to regional integration, cooperation, and solidarity among SADC member states,” noted Honourable Chadzamira.
The SADC Summit will run under the theme: ‘Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an industrialised SADC.
