Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The private sector should complement government efforts in expanding solar and other renewable energy projects as the country transitions towards a green economy, President Emerson Mnangagwa said on Thursday.
He said this while addressing delegates attending the Annual Exporters Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in the country’s second largest city.
The conference serves as a vital platform for the business community and policymakers to discuss mutual interests in the export sector. This year’s event, themed “Qala/Tanga/Start,” attracted buyers from six regional markets and two international markets.
In light of the devastating effects of climate change on various power sources, the business community recently endorsed a green economy roadmap aimed at increasing investments in renewable energy systems.
With climate change impacting all sectors of the economy, industry leaders have recommended an action plan to mobilize resources for enhanced investments in renewable energy.
“In the midst of climate change and the need to reduce our carbon footprint, I urge the private sector to complement government efforts to expand solar and other renewable energy projects as we move towards greening our economy,” President Mnangagwa said.
He emphasised that embracing renewable energy is essential for propelling the country towards a future of advancement and prosperity.
Turning to the topic of exports, the President Mnangagwa encouraged local businesses to leverage Zimbabwe’s unique resources, skills, and expertise to produce Zimbabwean and African products for international markets.
“Exports of goods and services serve as a catalyst for vibrant industrialization and socio-economic development. We must leverage our country’s unique resources to produce products that reflect our identity,” he said.
Continuous innovation, skills development, and advancements in science and technology are critical for enhancing the competitiveness of domestic companies, stated President Mnangagwa.
He also highlighted Zimbabwe’s recent assumption of the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as a significant milestone for regional integration efforts, providing a strategic platform for advancing business coordination within the regional trade bloc.
The AfCFTA aims to create a single continental market for goods and services in Africa, reducing trade barriers and regulatory discrepancies among African nations.
President Mnangagwa described the AfCFTA as a game changer for intra-African trade, urging Zimbabwe to position itself to capitalise on this opportunity.
He commended the Afreximbank for sponsoring buyers from Africa in line with the continent’s quest to promote intra-African trade.
President congratulated stakeholders, particularly exporters, for their increased levels of exports to new markets, attributing this success to the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
He emphasised the importance of turning challenges into opportunities, adding that Zimbabwe does not only meet but exceeds its potential in the global marketplace.
“Let us harness the power of trade as a force for driving economic growth, fostering social development, and building bridges of peace and understanding between nations. Together, we can write a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s history,” he said.
New Ziana
