Government has commended the private sector for spearheading the retooling and modernisation of production systems, a move that is boosting output and enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s manufacturing industry.
The ongoing shift towards automation and advanced production technologies is enabling local companies to increase volumes while improving product quality. This development aligns with the country’s broader import substitution and export-led industrialisation strategy aimed at strengthening domestic production capacity.
Industry and Commerce Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu, made the remarks during a tour of Capri Group Limited in Harare yesterday, where he underscored the importance of policy reforms in supporting industrial recovery and growth.
“We want to grow our industries, that is why, as a Government, we have come up with policies that enable ease of doing business. This company is doing well with a market that I would estimate to be around 85 percent. This tour is part of our assessment in terms of how local industries are performing,” he said.
Capri Group Limited has expanded its footprint beyond Zimbabwe, with markets in neighbouring countries including Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique. The company’s growth reflects the broader national push towards import substitution while building export capacity within the manufacturing sector.
“We are producing 12 000 fridges and freezers per month. We are developing a new factory and improving the quality of products, and we are in support of downstream and upstream industries from SMEs, retailers and wholesalers. We are contributing to the economy,” said Capri Appliances CEO, Gary Owen Watson.
According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), industrial capacity utilisation averaged 55 percent in the first quarter of the year, with the improvement largely driven by increased private sector investment and ongoing industrial revival initiatives.
