Source: Government committed to policy consistency, investment protection: VP Chiwenga – herald
Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@zimpapers.co.zw
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to policy consistency, fiscal discipline and the protection of investments, saying these are critical pillars for unlocking both domestic and international capital and building a resilient economy.
He said the Second Republic is determined to create an economy that rewards productivity, attracts capital and promotes long-term confidence, with the objective of making Zimbabwe one of the most efficient and attractive investment destinations in the region.
Addressing an oversubscribed International Business Conference (IBC) held on the sidelines of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo yesterday, VP Chiwenga said the Government remains focused on creating a stable, predictable and transparent investment environment anchored on trust and confidence.
“We are determined to create an economy that rewards productivity, attracts capital and promotes long-term confidence,” he told delegates.
“In that regard, the Government remains committed to policy consistency, fiscal discipline, the sanctity of contracts, protection of investments, transparent regulation and continuous improvement in the ease of doing business.
“These principles are essential to unlocking domestic and international investment.
“Our objective is to make Zimbabwe one of the most efficient and attractive investment destinations in the region.”
VP Chiwenga said the time for policy articulation had passed, with the focus now firmly on implementation and tangible outcomes.
“The focus now is on execution and results. This conference must serve as a catalyst for concrete outcomes,” he said.
“We must convert dialogue into investment, partnerships into projects, and opportunities into measurable economic impact. Zimbabwe is ready and open for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“The policy direction is clear, the opportunities are substantial, and the commitment to reform is unwavering. We invite you to partner with us in building a modern, industrialised and prosperous Zimbabwe.”
VP Chiwenga said the theme of this year’s conference, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”, is timely and strategic as it reflects the realities of a rapidly evolving global economy.
“Nations that adapt quickly and build productive industries are poised to steer the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
“As history reflects, Africa, including Zimbabwe, did not fully participate in the benefits of the first three Industrial Revolutions. The legacy of colonial extraction and structural exclusion constrained the continent’s industrial advancement.
“However, this new era offers Africa the chance not merely to catch up, but to lead — driven by technology, investing in skills, promoting research and innovation, building competitive industries and advanced production systems.
“As we engage today, we must recognise that we are actively shaping the architecture of a modern, industrialised and globally competitive Zimbabwean economy to lead Africa into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
He said Zimbabwe is pursuing this agenda through deliberate reforms anchored in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which provides a framework for accelerated industrialisation, private sector expansion, infrastructure modernisation and job creation.
Turning to the economy, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe has made measurable progress towards macroeconomic stabilisation.
“Inflationary pressures have moderated significantly, while monetary and fiscal reforms continue to strengthen economic fundamentals,” he said.
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“The introduction of the ZiG forms part of broader efforts to establish a stable and reliable domestic currency over time, supported by discipline, confidence and market responsiveness.
“Our focus remains on predictability, confidence building and sustainable growth.”
He added that the Government is streamlining licensing systems, digitising public services and strengthening investor facilitation mechanisms, including Special Economic Zones, to enhance production, exports and employment creation.
On mining, VP Chiwenga said the sector remains one of the strongest pillars of the economy, contributing about 14 percent to Gross Domestic Product and accounting for over 70 percent of export earnings in 2025.
“The sector is currently experiencing renewed momentum, driven by increased global demand for strategic minerals such as lithium and chrome,” he said.
“In light of these trends, our policy direction is clear: Zimbabwe will no longer export its resources in raw form without deriving maximum value.
“The era of exporting raw resources without meaningful domestic benefit must give way to a new phase of in-country value addition, beneficiation, industrialisation and manufacturing.”
He said the Government welcomes investment into mineral processing, refining, engineering services, equipment manufacturing, logistics and downstream industries.
On agriculture, VP Chiwenga said the sector remains central to livelihoods, food security, exports and agro-industrial development, with growing opportunities in value addition.
“Yet our greatest opportunity lies beyond primary production. It lies in agro-processing, packaging, storage, logistics and export market development,” he said.
He noted that tobacco production is projected to exceed 400 million kilogrammes this season, up from 355 million kilogrammes recorded in the 2024/25 marketing season.
“The Government is prioritising agro-industrialisation through initiatives such as the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan,” he said.
“This entails the establishment of a cut-rag facility coupled with a US$100 million cigarette manufacturing plant with capacity to process three thousand tonnes of cut-rag per month and produce up to six hundred million cigarettes.”
VP Chiwenga also noted the rapid growth of horticultural exports, particularly blueberries, which have increased from US$1 million in 2018 to over US$50 million in 2025.
“We therefore invite greater investment into cold-chain systems, contract farming, food processing, fertiliser production, seed development and agricultural financing platforms,” he said.
“Our ambition is to transform agriculture from a production sector into a fully integrated commercial value chain.”
On infrastructure, VP Chiwenga said the Government has prioritised transport, energy, water and digital systems as strategic enablers of productivity and competitiveness.
“Energy security is another strategic priority area. We recognise that a reliable and affordable power supply is indispensable for industrial production, economic growth and national competitiveness,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe is accelerating investment in generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and renewable energy under the National Energy Compact, while advancing regional projects such as Batoka Gorge.
“We are inviting the private sector to partner with the Government in expanding the national energy base,” he said.
Given the country’s strong solar potential, hydro assets and mineral endowment, VP Chiwenga said significant opportunities exist in independent power production and clean energy industries.
On manufacturing, he said the Government is working to revitalise the sector, including through a partnership between Willowvale Motor Industries and Ashok Leyland.
“Bus kit production is expected to commence in Harare towards the end of 2026, enabling continuous local assembly at Willowvale Motor Industries, with an initial target of 50 buses for the domestic market,” he said.
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