Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE Government has established three Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Mashonaland Central Province as it moves to implement the Integrated Provincial Special Economic Zones Policy aimed at accelerating rural industrialisation and modernisation.
Addressing delegates at the Mashonaland Central Provincial Investment Dialogue in Mazowe on Friday, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, announced the designation of three strategic economic zones targeting key sectors of the provincial economy.
The newly established Special Economic Zones are:
Muzarabani–Mbire Energy and Petrochemical Industrial Special Economic Zone
Mazowe–Mvurwi Agro-Industrial and Tobacco Value Chain Special Economic Zone
Bindura–Shamva Mineral Beneficiation and Manufacturing Special Economic Zone
Professor Ncube said the zones form part of the Government’s broader strategy to stimulate investment, promote value addition and unlock economic opportunities across the province.
The Special Economic Zones will be Government-led initiatives and are set to be officially launched on a date yet to be announced.
Professor Ncube added that the private sector is also free to initiate the establishment of Special Economic Zones, creating further opportunities for investment and industrial development.
The move marks a significant step in the implementation of the Integrated Provincial Special Economic Zones Policy, which seeks to leverage provincial comparative advantages to drive economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.
