Manicaland Province is courting local and diaspora investors to tap into emerging business opportunities in Chimanimani, with Government identifying agriculture, horticulture, tourism, forestry and small-scale mining as key sectors for investment and employment creation.
In a statement, yesterday, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza made the call while reflecting on the inaugural Chimanimani Business Symposium and Expo, which was held recently at Chimanimani Hotel.
Mugadza said the event had provided a platform to showcase the district’s economic potential and strengthen collaboration between Government and the private sector.
“I was delighted to officially open the inaugural Chimanimani Business Symposium and Expo, held recently at Chimanimani Hotel. This initiative is an important milestone for Manicaland, fully aligned with His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision that Zimbabwe is open for business,” he said.
He said Chimanimani had considerable untapped opportunities across several productive sectors, adding that investment in value addition and modern technology could help communities derive greater economic benefits from local resources.
“The event revealed tremendous, untapped opportunities across horticulture, agriculture, tourism, forestry and small-scale mining, with a strong focus on value addition and genuine public-private cooperation,” Mugadza said.
He urged investors to partner with the province in developing these sectors, particularly by bringing in capital, expertise and modern technologies to improve productivity and expand business operations.
“I warmly invite responsible investors, including our fellow Zimbabweans in the diaspora, to partner with us and bring capital, skills and modern technology to unlock Chimanimani’s full potential,” he said.
Mugadza said the provincial administration was working to identify viable investment opportunities that could attract funding, generate employment and promote inclusive economic growth.
“We are developing a clear pipeline of bankable projects that will create jobs and drive inclusive growth across our province, bringing us closer to Vision 2030,” he said.
The symposium and expo come as Government continues to promote private-sector participation in economic development, with provincial initiatives expected to help connect investors with opportunities in local communities.
Chimanimani’s agricultural and horticultural potential, alongside its tourism attractions and other natural resources, offers scope for investment in production, processing and related services.
Through increased investment and public-private partnerships, Manicaland aims to expand economic activity, strengthen local enterprises and create opportunities for communities to benefit from the province’s resources.
