ZICE: Power, rail and roads key to industrial growth in Zimbabwe

ZICE: Power, rail and roads key to industrial growth in Zimbabwe

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Delegates at the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) have urged sustained investment in utilities and infrastructure, saying it is central to meeting Zimbabwe’s industrialisation goals.

The call was made on the final day of the conference in Harare on Friday, where participants said industrial expansion depends on reliable roads, rail, water supply and electricity to support production and trade.

In updates on the energy sector, delegates noted that Zimbabwe has recorded 251 consecutive days without load-shedding following investment in Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8.

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) managing director Engineer Cletus Nyachowe said the Hwange expansion had boosted generation while more projects are being planned. “Hwange 7 and 8 have allowed us to increase power generation by almost 600 megawatts; hence, we have sustained this longest run without load-shedding. We are also going to invest in solar energy,” he said.

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Logistics was also raised as a major enabler of industrialisation, with delegates calling for stronger transport infrastructure to move goods efficiently and reduce costs.

BAK Logistics chief executive officer Mrs Mary Machingaidze said trade depends on dependable logistics systems backed by modern transport networks. “Trade is made possible if the logistical infrastructure is up to standard; hence investment in these is essential to drive robust industrialisation,” she said.

The conference also discussed the potential of strengthening Zimbabwe’s leather value chain as part of import substitution and job creation efforts.

Africa Leather Products Institute executive director Mr Nicholas Mudungwe said building local capacity could create spinoffs across the economy, including for young people and small businesses. “There are many spinoffs in terms of supporting the leather industry value chain, which supports jobs. Government is the main buyer of goods, which means it needs to support youths, SMEs, and women by buying from them,” he said.

Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) said the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo succeeded in drawing attention to issues requiring urgent action to support national industrialisation objectives.

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