The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, yesterday, hosted a delegation from the World Bank led by Senior Private Sector Specialist Sophia Muradyan to discuss technical support for the operationalization of Zimbabwe’s Economic Nodes Programme.
Speaking during the engagement, Permanent Secretary, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to industrialization and economic transformation, describing Economic Nodes and corridor-based industrialization as central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“Economic Nodes and Spatial Development Initiatives are critical enablers of corridor-based industrialization along our key transport routes, including the North-South and Beira-Lobito corridors.
These initiatives form the backbone of our efforts to drive structural transformation in line with Vision 2030, the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2), and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP2),” he said
Dr Wushe highlighted the significance of evidence-based planning and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing that practical, implementable recommendations are essential for programme success.
“We welcome the technical support from the World Bank in mapping corridors, identifying high-potential nodes, and conducting readiness assessments.
Our goal is to ensure that these economic nodes are not just plans on paper, but fully operational hubs that stimulate investment, create jobs, and drive inclusive industrial growth,” Dr Wushe added
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of using data and analysis to guide investment decisions along the economic corridors.
“Government is committed to leveraging this support to strengthen our approach to industrialization.
By conducting comprehensive assessments and consulting with stakeholders, we can ensure that the Economic Nodes Programme delivers tangible results for communities, industries, and the national economy,” he noted.
He further noted that the collaboration with the World Bank represents a strategic step toward operationalizing the programme, providing the expertise and tools necessary to identify viable industrial hubs and value chain opportunities.
“The presence of the World Bank mission in-country allows us to initiate concrete support measures, assess selected economic nodes, and lay a strong foundation for full implementation.
This partnership exemplifies our commitment to practical, results-oriented industrial development,” Dr Wushe added.
The Economic Nodes Programme is part of Zimbabwe’s Spatial Development Initiatives aimed at promoting industrial growth and economic diversification along key transport corridors.
The programme seeks to attract investment, stimulate job creation, and advance structural transformation in line with national development priorities.
