By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo
GWANDA — The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has urged the transformation of Beitbridge into an industrial hub, aiming to shift the border town from latent economic potential to active productivity.
Speaking to stakeholders, traditional leaders, business leaders, and members of the public at Mashakada Kingdom Light Church during a recent breakfast meeting, Minister Nguluvhe highlighted that Beitbridge’s strategic location offers opportunities to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
The breakfast meeting was themed: “From Potential to Productivity: Unlocking Beitbridge’s Economic Potential.”
The border town occupies a vital geographic and economic position, making it exceptionally strategic for industrial and logistics growth in southern Africa.
Minister Nguluvhe said Beitbridge’s role as Zimbabwe’s main gateway to South Africa and the wider SADC region gives the town a competitive advantage in trade, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, and value addition.
“Beitbridge is no longer just a border post—it is becoming the beating heart of Zimbabwe’s trade corridor,” he said.
Beitbridge is transitioning from a basic transit border crossing to an integrated hub for industry, trade, and logistics.
Key areas identified for investment include temperature-controlled bonded warehouses, modern truck stops, fleet maintenance facilities, solar-powered industrial infrastructure, light manufacturing, citrus processing, beef processing and canning, tanneries, and broader agro-processing.
He further urged investors to adopt climate-smart and resilient business models, especially as droughts and El Niño-related conditions continue to impact agriculture, water availability, energy security, and consumer purchasing power.
“Productivity is a team sport. Stronger partnerships between government, local businesses, communities, and international technology partners are essential for boosting production,” he said.
He also encouraged local companies to form consortiums to pursue large-scale projects beyond the financial capacity of individual businesses. Joint ventures with international partners, he added, could provide access to technology, expertise, and capital.
