The 4th edition of the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) opened with a powerful message from Deputy Minister of Finance and Investments Promotion, Hon. David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, setting the tone for a focused and forward-looking dialogue on Zimbabwe’s economic future.
In his opening speech, Hon. Mnangagwa stressed the importance of sound policy: “Our approach is grounded in empirical, evidence-based policy formulation. We are committed to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind in our quest for broad-based economic transformation.”
He emphasized fostering honest and inclusive dialogue as key to sustainable development and poverty alleviation across Zimbabwe.
Senior Economic Advisor Prof. Ashok Chakrarti praised the conference’s effectiveness: “ZEDCON has created an enabling environment where critical economic challenges can be addressed. For example, reforms to unlock access to credit have been shaped through these discussions, helping to catalyze growth.”
Energy policy was a major focus area, with delegates discussing a shift to renewable sources to ease Zimbabwe’s power issues. On this, Mnangagwa highlighted the government’s strategic priorities. “Shifting to renewable energy is crucial and much cheaper. We are facilitating duty-free solar equipment imports to add between 80 to 100 megawatts through various solar projects, complementing the national grid and encouraging private sector investment.”
ZEDCON continues to be a vital platform for Government, economic experts, and industry leaders to collaborate on innovative, data-driven solutions to align economic stability with growth and sustainability. By emphasizing empirical evidence and inclusive participation, Zimbabwe’s leadership aims to nurture policies that are both viable and socially inclusive.
As Zimbabwe navigates complex economic realities, including energy diversification and credit access challenges, ZEDCON stands as a beacon of hope for robust development and improved livelihoods across the nation.
