Bulawayo, (New Ziana) — Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has called for stronger collaboration between the government, business and investors to accelerate industrialisation, as Zimbabwe positions itself as a competitive player in the evolving global economy.
He said this on Wednesday while addressing delegates attending the 2026 International Business Conference held on the sidelines of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
VP Chiwenga said the gathering was a critical platform to drive practical economic solutions.
“The important platform brings together government, business leaders, investors and development partners to shape practical pathways for economic growth and industrial transformation,” he said.
He said the conference theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”, resonated with global shifts where innovation, resilience and partnerships are now central to economic success.
“The theme of this year’s conference, Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, is timely and strategic. It reflects the realities of a rapidly changing global economy in which competitiveness, innovation, resilience and collaboration have become the key determinants of national success,” he said.
“Nations that adapt quickly and build productive industries are poised to stir the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added.
He acknowledged that Africa had lagged behind in previous industrial revolutions but now has an opportunity to lead.
“As history reflects, Africa, including Zimbabwe, did not fully participate in the benefits of the first three Industrial Revolutions. The legacy of colonial extraction and structural exclusion constrained the continent’s industrial advancement. However, this new era offers Africa the chance, not merely to catch up, but to lead driven by technology, investing in skills, promoting research and innovation, building competitive industries and advanced production systems,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said government reforms under the National Development Strategy (NDS2) were laying the foundation for industrial growth, private sector expansion and job creation.
“We are determined to create an economy that rewards productivity, attracts capital and promotes long-term confidence. In that regard, government remains committed to policy consistency, fiscal discipline, the sanctity of contracts, protection of investments, transparent regulation and continuous improvement in the ease of doing business,” he said.
Highlighting economic stability measures, VP Chiwenga noted progress in taming inflation and strengthening fiscal and monetary systems.
“The country has made measurable progress toward macroeconomic stabilisation. Inflationary pressures have moderated significantly, while monetary and fiscal reforms continue to strengthen economic fundamentals. The introduction of the ZiG forms part of broader efforts to establish a stable and reliable domestic currency over time, supported by discipline, confidence and market responsiveness,” he said.
Turning to key sectors, VP Chiwenga cited mining as a major driver of the economy, contributing significantly to exports and Gross Domestic Product(GDP).
VP Chiwenga stressed a policy shift towards value addition, saying the country can no longer afford to export raw materials without meaningful domestic benefit.
“Zimbabwe will no longer export its resources in raw form without deriving maximum value. The era of exporting raw resources without meaningful domestic benefit must give way to a new phase of in-country value addition, beneficiation, industrialisation and manufacturing,” he said, adding the agriculture sector remains central to livelihoods but requires stronger linkages to industry.
He said tobacco output was expected to surpass 400 million kilograms this season, alongside growing horticultural exports.
“At the same time, the rapid growth of horticultural exports, particularly blueberry exports, have grown significantly from US$1 million in 2018 to over US$50 million in 2025. This confirms that the country can compete successfully in premium international markets,” he said.
New Ziana
