Zimbabwe and the World Bank Group have intensified engagement on industrial development, with discussions focusing on boosting export competitiveness, promoting value addition and strengthening economic transformation.
The renewed commitment emerged yesterday when Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ambassador Thomas Chifamba, received a World Bank Group delegation led by Country Manager Eneida Fernandes for talks aimed at accelerating the country’s industrial growth agenda.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the engagement centred on strategies to improve export competitiveness, promote local content development, strengthen value addition and beneficiation, and create stronger linkages between industry, agriculture and mining.
In a statement following the meeting, the Ministry said the discussions reflected a common commitment to accelerating industrial development and positioning Zimbabwe to take full advantage of regional and continental trade opportunities.
“The discussions focused on enhancing export competitiveness, leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promoting local content and value addition, improving the business environment and strengthening linkages between industry, agriculture and mining,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry added that strengthening industrial competitiveness remains central to Zimbabwe’s economic development agenda, particularly as the country seeks to expand manufacturing output, increase exports and attract investment.
“The engagement underscores a shared commitment to fostering sustainable industrial growth, unlocking investment opportunities, and creating a more competitive economy that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and citizens alike.
The meeting comes as Zimbabwe continues to implement policies aimed at boosting domestic production, reducing reliance on imports and encouraging the beneficiation of local resources to increase the value of exports,” the Ministry added.
Government has repeatedly identified industrialisation as a key pillar of economic growth, with emphasis on developing value chains that connect manufacturing with agriculture, mining and other productive sectors.
The World Bank delegation’s visit is expected to strengthen collaboration on initiatives designed to improve the business environment, support private sector development and enhance Zimbabwe’s participation in regional and global value chains.
