Story by Farai Gwaze
A high-level Zimbabwean delegation is promoting the country’s mining sector at the African Mining Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, presenting Zimbabwe as a secure and promising destination for investment.
The conference, which commenced on Monday, brings together investors, industry experts, and technology providers to explore opportunities across the African mining sector. Zimbabwean officials outlined strategies to expand mineral beneficiation, attract foreign investment, and support artisanal miners in scaling operations.
“We are here in Cape Town as a country, and our main aim is to lure as many investors as possible, as Zimbabwe has opened up a new trajectory on mineral beneficiation and our artisanal miners have a chance as producers of chrome and gold,” Chairperson of the Parliamentary Commission on Mines and Mining Development Honourable Toendepi Matangira said.
“We are one of the few countries in Africa to democratise mining to the extent of attracting activities by our own people. 70% of the chrome and gold mining is done by small-scale miners, but they use rudimentary methods. They need to join up with other players who have equipment and capital, so we can grow that economy. Our targets of ten billion are small, we should be looking at a US$30 to 40 billion mining economy,” ZANU PF Secretary for Mines and Energy Development, Mr Paul Mangwana said.
Zimbabwean executives detailed the practical goals to secure technology, forge international partnerships and convert dialogue into tangible projects that benefit the national economy.
“Mining Indaba is the biggest mining conference in the world, and it focuses on African opportunities. Obviously, as Zimbabwe is a big player in the mining ecosystem, it is very important to meet investors and suppliers to hear about new technologies. We hope deals done here will benefit us back home,” said Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, CEO of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).
Mrs Tendai Madondo, Head of Corporate Affairs at Kuvimba Mining House, representing gold, base metals, PGMs, and energy clusters, added: “We are here as the Mutapa mining group, which is representative of our gold, base metals, PGMs and energy clusters. We need to network with potential partners from across the globe and also identify investment opportunities.”
Zimbabwe’s presence at this global forum underscores a concerted national drive to position Zimbabwe as a premier and reliable destination for mining investment and a key player in Africa’s critical mining future.
