Zimbabwe’s manufacturing capacity utilisation rose to 63.2% by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Speaking during the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Review Workshop, recently, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, Bulawayo, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu said capacity utilisation had increased from 57% in 2025 to 61.2% in the first quarter of 2026 before reaching 63.2% in the third quarter.
“The increase in manufacturing capacity utilisation demonstrates the progress being made in strengthening our productive sector. Our focus remains on consolidating these gains, addressing constraints affecting industry and creating conditions that allow local manufacturers to expand production,” Minister Ndlovu said.
The workshop reviewed the ministry’s strategic priorities for the 2026–2030 period, with emphasis on boosting local manufacturing, increasing exports and creating an enabling business environment through improved ease of doing business and policy reforms.
Minister Ndlovu said strengthening domestic industry was essential to improving the competitiveness of locally manufactured products and enabling businesses to take advantage of expanding regional and continental markets.
“We must continue building an industrial base that produces competitive, high-quality goods for both domestic consumption and export markets. Improving the business environment and implementing effective policies are critical to ensuring that our industries can compete successfully under the AfCFTA,” he said.
The minister also highlighted progress in policy development, noting that Cabinet had approved four policy frameworks, namely the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP2), the Local Content Strategy, the Consumer Protection Policy and the National Quality Policy.
He said the frameworks would help guide industrial development, strengthen the use of locally produced goods and improve consumer protection and quality standards.
“The approval of these policy frameworks provides an important foundation for advancing industrialisation. Their effective implementation will be essential in promoting local production, improving product quality and creating opportunities for businesses across the economy,” Minister Ndlovu said.
The workshop also noted progress towards strengthening quality assurance processes and developing legislation for the iron and steel industry, with the ministry reporting that work on the proposed Iron and Steel Bill had reached 80% of its targeted framework.
“The ministry would continue prioritising policy reforms and initiatives that support industrial growth, improve the competitiveness of local products and expand export opportunities.
Aligning the ministry’s strategic priorities with NDS2 would help ensure that industrial development contributed to broader national economic objectives,” the Minister said.
The review workshop provided an opportunity to assess progress made, identify implementation gaps and refine priorities for the remainder of the 2026–2030 strategic planning period.
