Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT has commended the private sector for taking the lead in retooling and modernising production systems, a development that is driving increased output and strengthening the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector.
The shift towards automation and modern production technologies is enabling local firms to scale up volumes while improving product quality, in line with the country’s import substitution and export-led industrialisation strategy.
Industry and Commerce Minister, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, made the remarks during a tour of Capri Group Limited in Harare this Monday, where he highlighted the role of policy reforms in supporting industrial recovery.
“We want to grow our industries, that is why, as a government, we have come up with policies that enable ease of doing business. This company is doing well with a market that I would estimate to be around 85 percent. This tour is part of our assessment in terms of how local industries are performing,” he said.
The company, which has already registered its footprint in neighbouring countries such as Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique, demonstrates the shift towards import substitution and export-led growth within the local industry.
“We are producing 12 000 fridges and freezers per month. We are developing a new factory and improving the quality of products, and we are in support of downstream and upstream industries from SMEs, retailers and wholesalers. We are contributing to the economy,” CEO-Capri Appliances, Mr Gary Owen Watson said.
According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), industrial capacity utilisation averaged 55% during the first quarter of the year, a performance also attributed to a surge in private sector investment.
