The Minister of Industry and Commerce (MIC), Hon. Dr Sekesai Nzenza during the recently ended ZimTrade Exporters’ Conference spoke of how the country is faring regarding manufacturing and production, Zimbabwe is in the right direction as the sector experienced growth from last year.
The country is in an advent of sustained economic growth necessitated by consistent targeted and consolidated government policy. Through the NDS1, there has been identification of some quick wins under the priority value chains this in turn stimulating growth and creating jobs.
In the process, the MIC initiated various dialogues and engagement forums to develop stronger value chains. Strategic value chains launched are in the pharmaceutical, leather, cotton to clothing, motor vehicle manufacturing, and agro-processing sectors the latter forming a stronger synergy between the MIC and ministry of Agriculture.
NatPharm recently got a new board and the relevant ministry mandated it to deliver and serve the public’s medicinal needs. This new trajectory for the pharmaceutical company should see improvement regarding access to medicine and In line with NDS1, the company has commenced resuscitation of its production capacity by establishing manufacturing plants.
In the second quarter of 2021, business experienced an increase in production compared to the same period in 2020. During the second quarter of 2021, 73% of businesses saw an increase in production. The closure of borders due to COVID-19 led to industries looking inwards and being innovative. Availability of basic goods increased remarkably on the supermarket shelves.
She said that Zimbabwe has an untapped annual export potential of USD311.2 million to the world. During a recent visit to Rwanda, Hon. Nzenza and the ZimTrade delegation saw some of the gaps between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, they identified products that can be exported to Rwanda and those that can be imported from Rwanda.
Zimbabwe’s economic growth is improving and the government of Zimbabwe is working to bolster the local manufacturing and production sector.
