Midlands province is stepping up efforts to retain greater economic value from its mineral and agricultural resources by aligning provincial development priorities with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The drive towards local processing and value addition took centre stage in Gweru, on Thursday, during the Midlands Provincial Economic Development Plan 2 (PEDP 2) engagement, where stakeholders examined ways of translating national economic targets into practical provincial programmes.
PEDP 2 places greater emphasis on processing raw materials locally, strengthening supply chains and expanding enterprises rather than concentrating solely on production volumes.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, said economic growth should translate into broader opportunities for communities.
“We want Midlands to continue contributing to the national economy, but we also want to ensure that the growth we are seeing is broad-based, sustainable, and creates opportunities for our people through production, value addition, and enterprise development,” he said.
PEDP 2 seeks to strengthen linkages between mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, with local beneficiation expected to stimulate activity across the wider provincial economy.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Dr Edgar Seenza said the province would build on its existing comparative advantages to generate greater economic value.
“We are looking at how we can leverage the comparative advantages of Midlands and ensure that our resources generate greater economic value, employment, and opportunities across the province,” he said.
Director of Economic Affairs and Investment, Koshen Mtisi, said the provincial plan would create stronger connections between resource extraction and local industrial activity.
“PEDP 2 translates macro NDS2 targets into targeted provincial action. We are establishing direct linkages between resource extraction, local processing, and supply chains to capture maximum value inside the province,” he said.
The approach is expected to strengthen the province’s industrial base by ensuring that more minerals and agricultural produce are processed before being exported or moved outside Midlands.
Business executives at the engagement said local industries needed to increase processing capacity to ensure commodities generated within the province contributed more significantly to the local economy.
Business Executive, Learnmore Njobo, said diversification was generating economic opportunities across various sectors.
“Traditionally known as the heart of Midlands province for mining, our economic base has successfully diversified into industrial manufacturing, hospitality, and tourism,” he said.
He said the developments were creating employment opportunities, opening markets for local farmers and supporting enterprise development.
“Facilities like this hotel and Chahwanda Stadium are tangible proof of a growing local demand that is energising the entire community,” he said.
The plan also seeks to strengthen the connection between investment and tangible community benefits through local employment, enterprise development and increased participation by businesses within provincial supply chains.
