The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has embarked on a major planning exercise aimed at shaping Zimbabwe’s industrial and commercial direction for the next five years, as it held its 2026–2030 Strategic Planning Workshop at Village Lodge in Gweru.
The high-level meeting, attended by key ministry officials and stakeholders, was graced by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Hon. Owen Ncube.
In his keynote address, Minister Ndhlovu underscored the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the nation’s economic transformation agenda under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS1), while preparing the groundwork for the next development phase.
“Our focus is on building an industrial base that is inclusive, competitive and sustainable. We are prioritising economic diversification, investment attraction and trade growth as critical levers for job creation and national prosperity,”he said
He added that value addition and beneficiation would continue to drive industrial development across all value chains.
“We want to see Zimbabwean industries producing more, exporting more, and creating more employment.
As we move toward the implementation of NDS2, our Ministry remains resolute in promoting manufacturing growth, supporting small and medium enterprises, and ensuring that our policies are responsive to global economic shifts,”Minister Ndlovu added
In the same light Minister Ncube also commended the Ministry’s efforts, describing the strategic workshop as a timely initiative that aligns with the provincial devolution agenda.
“The Midlands Province is central to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive. Through economic diversification and sustainable development, we can unlock the full potential of our local industries and communities.
This workshop comes at a time when the nation is focused on building a resilient economy driven by innovation and productivity,” he added
He further emphasised the importance of continuous policy review and capacity building to strengthen institutional performance.
“Monitoring and evaluation must be embedded in every programme. It is only through evidence-based planning that we can measure progress and ensure accountability in implementing national goals,” Ncube said
The 2026–2030 Strategic Plan will serve as a blueprint for the Ministry’s interventions in industrial development, trade promotion, and economic competitiveness, positioning Zimbabwe to achieve sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity.
