Bulawayo, September 19, 2025 — At ZEDCON 2025, Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu laid out a bold vision to restore Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector as a key driver of economic growth, aiming for it to contribute over 20% of GDP, a level last seen during the country’s early independence years.
He emphasized that revitalizing agro-processing and value addition in mining will be critical to this resurgence, urging industry leaders to harness the agricultural surplus and domesticate mineral beneficiation locally.
Ndlovu noted recent data from ZIMSTAT showing manufacturing’s contribution had slipped to about 15.3%, while mining is on track to hit 15.5% of GDP, underscoring the need for manufacturing to fully capitalize on gains in these primary sectors.
He highlighted investments by major companies like Nestlé and National Foods in value-added agro-processing, signaling positive momentum. These efforts, coupled with plans to grow manufactured exports—currently below 5% of total exports—are part of a broader industrial development policy that prioritizes innovation, competitiveness, and regional market expansion.
Addressing inclusive growth, Minister Ndlovu also stressed accelerating rural industrialization to create jobs for the over 60% of Zimbabweans living in rural areas, curbing urban migration and broadening economic participation.
He encouraged collaboration with the mining sector to produce consumables domestically, turning standalone engineering companies into exporters.
The minister concluded by emphasizing Government’s commitment to enabling an investment-friendly environment by reducing business costs and promoting local content, all vital for achieving Vision 2030’s aim of an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income economy.
