Stakeholders in the transport and mining sectors have welcomed the Government’s promulgation of laws reserving specific sectors of the economy exclusively for Zimbabwean citizens. The new statutory instrument, which bars foreign nationals from participating in designated reserved areas, has been praised as a major step toward empowering locals and restoring fairness across strategic industries.
In the transport sector, industry players say the intervention addresses long-standing concerns over the dominance of foreign-owned entities particularly those linked to major mining operations across the transport value chain.
In an interview with the media, yesterday, Zimbabwe Indigenous Transporters Association Chairperson, Simon Gambiza, said the move will allow local operators to reclaim their place in the industry.
“Large mining companies have been using their own transport subsidiaries to ferry commodities and raw materials, limiting our participation. Government has now acted, allowing local transporters to return to business,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) also welcomed the development, saying foreign nationals had for years dominated the passenger transport sector.
ZUDAC Secretary-General, Mr Frederick Magumamhinga, said the new policy will protect local operators and dismantle emerging monopolistic networks.
“Foreigners had taken over the passenger transport business, limiting opportunities for locals. Some cartels were even forming, so Government has done well to ensure that citizens can fully participate in the economy,” he said.
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector, responsible for nearly 70 percent of Zimbabwe’s gold output has also been reserved exclusively for local citizens. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) says the move will further boost the sector’s impact.
ZMF president, Ms Henrietta Rushwaya, said the policy strengthens national empowerment and positions artisanal miners for greater success.
“This will increase the contribution of artisanal miners, who have already surpassed their targets this year. Maximum local citizen participation is good for the sector, while foreign investors can move up the value chain to make more meaningful contributions,” she said.
Government says reserving sectors such as retail, pharmaceuticals and freight forwarding for local citizens is meant to safeguard national interests, maximise local participation and ensure foreign investors contribute more effectively to economic growth and national development.
The policy, authorities say, is part of broader efforts to create an inclusive, citizen-driven economy where locals benefit meaningfully from national resources and economic opportunities.
