CONFEDERATION of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Matabeleland Chapter has revealed that Matabeleland South province has recorded the highest level of investment under the metals sub-sector.
This was said by CZI Matabeleland Chapter president Stephen Ncube during a meeting with Pakistani ambassador to Zimbabwe, Muhammad Amjad Aziz Gazi, recently.
Ncube expressed appreciation at the request by the Pakistani ambassador to meet, saying this was a significant gesture by the diplomat to foster strong economic ties.
“We are grateful that you have prioritised engagement with key economic bodies like ours so early in your tenure,” he said.
“Matabeleland region is the economic heartbeat of southern Zimbabwe. Our membership comprises the leading and most innovative enterprises in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, mining, engineering services, tourism, and logistics.”
He said CZI was dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic growth in the province.
“According to the major investments in province 2022–2025 report done by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Matabeleland South Province recorded the highest level of investment of US$3,6 billion under the metals sub-sector (mineral beneficiation),” Ncube said.
He revealed that Bulawayo Metropolitan Province also recorded the highest number of investments by individual companies, which pointed towards an industrial renaissance.
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“The companies that have heavily invested in the city are Delta Corporation, Role Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Treger Group, Bakers Inn, and Shepco Industrial Supplies, among others,” Ncube said.
He revealed that Bulawayo city is second in real gross domestic product contribution to the economy, according to the CZI Manufacturing Sector Survey Report.
“The city has the highest manufacturing sector export orientation. The employment capacity of the city exceeds the national level,” Ncube said.
“It is in this spirit that we welcome this dialogue today. Zimbabwe and Pakistan share a long-standing history of friendship and diplomatic cooperation. Our challenge, and indeed our opportunity, is to translate this cordial political relationship into vibrant, mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.”
He said CZI’s focus areas were industrial transformation, manufacturing for manufacturing, deepening local value chains and regional value chains, innovation and enterprise development, and sector development, among others.
Ncube expressed optimism that there are compelling synergies that can be explored with Pakistan, as the latter has a robust and diverse industrial base, with particular strengths in textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, information technology, and agricultural technology.
