Story by Peter Chivhima
MVURWI town is positioning itself for sustained growth by leveraging its strong agricultural base and accelerating infrastructure development, in line with the objectives of the recently launched National Development Strategy Two (NDS2).
Authorities and stakeholders say the town is seeking to re-establish itself as a strategic development node by promoting value addition, attracting investment and improving connectivity, as Zimbabwe transitions from NDS1 to its second phase of national economic planning.
These ambitions were underscored at an investment promotion symposium held in Mvurwi on Tuesday, where participants highlighted the town’s proximity to Harare, fertile agricultural land and growing population as key advantages that could be harnessed to stimulate local economic activity.
Agricultural consultant Dr Bryn Muroyiwa said Mvurwi’s development prospects lie in strengthening agro-processing and reducing post-harvest losses.
“I like the idea that people-centred initiatives are bringing us together to develop our area. Since Mvurwi is a farming community, it makes sense to focus on food processing. For example, instead of wasting excess potatoes, we can add value through processing. This area also has potential for tourism, we can attract visitors from other towns if we invest in that sector,” he said.
“We can come up with industries that focus on adding value to our products, which are tobacco and other farm produce, so that when we sell them, we can benefit immensely from them,” Chairperson of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, Mr Blessed Kapesa stated.
“We can take advantage of developing this area by setting up a school of hospitality so that students can come here in Mvurwi, and at the same time, this area will grow, ” entrepreneur, Mrs Rudo Mashingaidze stated.
Organisers of the event expressed confidence that, with the government’s support, the town is set for significant transformation.
“We understand that the nation is working tirelessly towards achieving Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. In that spirit, we have brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, investment, and local governance, to deliberate on how Mvurwi can strategically contribute to this national agenda. By aligning local development with the broader goals of Vision 2030, we are ensuring that communities like Mvurwi are not left behind in the country’s growth trajectory,” Mvurwi Town Council Secretary Dr Sherry Nyakudya added.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, says infrastructure development remains a top priority under the Second Republic.
“As government, we are transitioning from NDS 1 to NDS2 and under NDS 1 we achieved a lot as a government. As you can see, we have a surplus of wheat, and this is through NDS 1. So let us capitalise on the gains of that to develop our area. There are a number of programmes we are doing, and some are already underway to develop this area,” Honourable Magomo noted.
Government-led infrastructure projects in the province, including the ongoing upgrade of the Harare–Kanyemba Road, are expected to enhance connectivity, improve market access, and unlock further investment opportunities for Mvurwi and surrounding areas.
