Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
MASHONALAND Central Province has unveiled 84 bankable projects valued at more than US$200 million as it seeks to increase its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 6.5 percent.
The projects were presented at the two-day Mashonaland Central Provincial Investment Dialogue, which opened at Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe. The forum is focusing on accelerating rural industrialisation and modernisation in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Addressing delegates, the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo said the province is positioning itself as a prime investment destination through value addition and beneficiation of its mineral and agricultural resources.
“Our expectation from this conference is to transform potential into tangible investment. We have identified a number of bankable projects and are inviting investors to partner with us in unlocking the province’s vast economic potential.
“Mashonaland Central is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including gold, lithium, chrome and nickel. We want investors to establish value-addition and beneficiation plants so that these resources contribute more significantly to economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Honourable Magomo said the province is also seeking investment in agro-processing to add value to fruits, grains and other agricultural produce.
The investment dialogue was organised by the National Economic Forum (NEF) in partnership with the Office of the President and Cabinet to facilitate engagement between government, financiers, business leaders and local authorities.
NEF Executive Director, Mr Tinashe Manzungu said the initiative is part of a broader programme aimed at unlocking investment opportunities across the country.
“We have been hosting investment conferences in various provinces, and this is our fifth. The objective is to bring together government officials, the private sector, financiers and local authorities so that meaningful engagements translate into practical investment outcomes,” he said.
The forum also attracted local and international investors exploring opportunities aligned with national development priorities.
Director of Luq Mining Company, Mr Chin Ming Hua, said his delegation from China is assessing opportunities in the mining and renewable energy sectors.
“We were invited by a minister from China and have come to assess the investment opportunities available in Zimbabwe. Our areas of interest are renewable energy and mining,” he said.
Birdcock Investments chairman, Mr Edward Nyekete said the conference offered valuable insights into government policy and investment prospects.
“I have come as a local businessperson to understand the policy direction being pursued by the Government so that I can make informed investment decisions,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has urged local authorities to develop and present well-structured projects capable of attracting both domestic and foreign capital.
Stakeholders say Mashonaland Central’s abundant mineral resources, agricultural potential and pipeline of investment-ready projects position the province to play a greater role in driving sustainable economic growth and national development.
