Bulawayo, (New Ziana) –The is an urgent need for both domestic and foreign direct investment in Bulawayo for the city to reclaim its position as Zimbabwe’s industrial and engineering hub, an expert has said.
Energy, logistics and trading company Sakunda Holdings chief executive officer Kudakwashe Tagwirei said this in a speech read on his behalf by the company chief commercial officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo, at the two-day Bulawayo Investment Indaba.
Key players including representatives of the Bulawayo City Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the National University of Science and Technology, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, and the Zimbabwe School of Mines and private sector leaders attended the meeting.
“Local investors are the ambassadors of all investors. If the world sees local investors being comfortable investing in their city and country, foreign investors will follow suit,” said Tagwirei.
He said collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for driving economic growth in the region, adding that Bulawayo deserves to reclaim its former industrial glory.
“This province was once the industrial and engineering hub of Zimbabwe, and it deserves a chance to rise again like a phoenix. I will not say ‘rise from the ashes’ because the revival is already underway. The change is already afoot,” he said.
Tagwirei commended the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province for organizing the indaba, describing it as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and socio-economic development.
He said the province has vast potential across multiple sectors, urging investors to capitalize on opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, infrastructure, and education.
“Bulawayo offers abundant investment opportunities—from agro-industrial processing to housing and healthcare. These resources can transform the local economy,” he said.
Tagwirei called on the business community to play a leading role in revitalizing the city’s economy, stressing that progress depends on local commitment.
“Revitalization is not a spectator sport. It requires active participation from all of us, the business community. Some in commerce will become industrialists. Together we can restore Bulawayo as an industrial powerhouse,” he said.
He also acknowledged the importance of local and foreign investors, as well as the Diaspora, in contributing to national development.
“The government of Zimbabwe recognizes the value of local and foreign investors, and by having nationals scattered across the globe, Zimbabwe can gain access to ideas, technology, and managerial expertise for economic development,” he explained.
Tagwirei however, stressed the need for structured partnerships between the government, businesses, and society to maximise the Diaspora contributions.
He said it is also important to create an investor-friendly environment, which involves establishing sound legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks.
New Ziana
