Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the private sector and Zimbabweans in the diaspora to channel investments into strategic national projects as the country pushes towards attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.
The President made the remarks on Friday while commissioning the New Glovers Solar Project in Kwekwe, a development he described as a model of successful collaboration between Government and the private sector.
The project, spearheaded by independent power producer New Glovers, was funded largely through pension funds, which contributed 51 percent of the financing.
Addressing delegates at the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to reinvest their earnings into projects that support national development.
“I urge individuals and entities, including those in the diaspora, to diversify their investments into key national priority projects,” he said.
“When you benefit from farming, mining and opportunities outside the country, do not spend all the money alone. Let us all work together to build our nation.”
The President also encouraged local authorities to reserve land for future energy and technology projects.
“Both urban and rural local authorities are encouraged to ring-fence and reserve land for the establishment of energy and technology parks,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the young Zimbabwean professionals behind the project, saying their work reflected the country’s growing technical capacity and innovation.
“I congratulate the young Zimbabweans behind New Glovers Solar who spearheaded the construction of this plant,” he said.
“Your collective efforts, unity of purpose and hard work demonstrate the abundant skills, innovation and determination that exist among our people.”
The New Glovers Solar Project was implemented under the Government’s 100-Day Cycle Priority Projects programme, with the President praising the pace of execution.
“The completion of this plant within record time reflects the discipline, efficiency, coordination and commitment to results that have become synonymous with the Second Republic,” he said.
Zimbabwe has in recent years accelerated investment in renewable energy and power generation projects as part of broader efforts to improve electricity supply and reduce load-shedding.
