GOVERNMENT has urged Chinese investors to prioritise local mineral beneficiation and manufacturing as key drivers of industrialisation under its forthcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
This appeal comes amid mounting criticism that some foreign investors continue exporting unprocessed minerals, bypassing opportunities for value-addition, job creation, and industrial development.
While China remains Zimbabwe’s largest foreign investor, particularly in mining and infrastructure, concerns have been growing over limited investment in mineral beneficiation.
During this week’s China-Zimbabwe Business Cooperation Roundtable in Harare, Tafadzwa Muguti, permanent secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, revealed to businessdigest that authorities will now investigate companies exporting raw minerals.
“We are not going to be allowing any more chrome or lithium to leave Zimbabwe raw in NDS2,” he said.
“We want to see value-addition here. Zimbabwe must also produce its own batteries. Whatever products are made in China using our minerals can be manufactured here too.”
He said this marked a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s relationship with its top investment partner, one anchored on mutual benefit, industrial growth, and local empowerment.
At the centre of the government’s strategy is the Sunway City Special Economic Zone in Ruwa, earmarked for large-scale manufacturing.
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While uptake remains limited, Muguti said the zone offered vast potential for investors.
“We have unveiled the Special Economic Zone in Sunway City with vast land and supportive infrastructure,” he said.
“We are now calling on serious Chinese investors to take up space, manufacture from Zimbabwe, and help build real industries.”
He also warned foreign firms accused of operating outside the law, warning that Zimbabwe would not tolerate environmental degradation, labour rights violations, or disrespect for local culture and customs.
“Some are digging up our ancestors’ graves for minerals. That is the greatest disrespect,” he said.
