By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwe’s industrial sector to accelerate value addition, innovation and regional trade, declaring that the country’s future prosperity hinges on transforming raw materials into high-value products while drastically reducing imports of goods that can be manufactured locally.
Officially opening the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026 in Harare on Thursday, President Mnangagwa said industrialisation remains the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, urging industry, investors and development partners to work together towards achieving Vision 2030.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Industrialisation Through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade,” the conference comes at a time when the country’s manufacturing sector is showing signs of strong recovery.
President Mnangagwa said it is most opportune that the Conference is taking place following the research findings of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Study.
“The Study outlines the substantial progress that has been realized to stimulate structural transformation in line with our quest to move our economy up the value chains. However, more work must be done with regards harnessing and exploiting opportunities for import substitution, industrial expansion and regional exports,” he said.
He highlighted key sectors requiring urgent beneficiation, including iron and steel, lithium, cement, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, leather, cotton, fertilisers, dairy, oilseed processing, sugar and grains.
He said that Zimbabwe’s industrial sector has recorded remarkable growth, with manufacturing capacity utilisation rising from 35 percent in 2019 to 61.2 percent during the first quarter of 2026.
Manufactured exports have also increased from US$360 million in 2019 to US$584 million, while manufacturing now contributes 17 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“I applaud the sector for this phenomenal growth. Congratulations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa expressed concern, though, that Zimbabwe continues to import approximately US$2.5 billion worth of manufactured goods that could be produced domestically, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“The need to scale-up beneficiation, value addition, manufacturing and export of processed materials is now urgent,” he said, directing the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to intensify efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and keep more value within the country.
He also urged industry to look beyond import substitution and focus on expanding exports through regional markets such as SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying Zimbabwe is strategically positioned to become a competitive manufacturing hub for the continent.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting industrial growth through policy reforms, improved infrastructure, stable energy supply, enhanced investment conditions and stronger financing mechanisms.
“My Government will continue facilitating the success of our Industrialisation Agenda. Institutional reforms are being undertaken… We are strengthening industry-financing mechanisms, improving the investment climate and mobilising domestic as well as international capital,” he said.
He further challenged mining companies to ensure minerals are processed locally, reiterating Government’s opposition to exporting raw resources.
“Our policy stance is unequivocal. National resources must be processed and beneficiated for the realisation of maximum economic returns that benefit all our people,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical recommendations, new partnerships and investment opportunities capable of accelerating the country’s industrial transformation.
“I am confident that together, we have the collective resolve and focus to move with greater urgency, agility, and unity of purpose to further transform the manufacturing sector for the good of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
New Ziana
