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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

INDUSTRY and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, has called on the manufacturing sector to adopt sustainable production practices and enhance resilience against climate change shocks through resource optimisation and innovative approaches.

He made this appeal on Monday at the official opening of the 2024 Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) annual conference in Harare.

Minister Ndlovu noted that Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector faces numerous sustainability challenges, including environmental degradation, climate change, pandemics and rapid technological advancements.

“As the nation strives to grow the manufacturing sector, its resilience is crucial in today’s unpredictable and dynamic environment. Continuation of the business-as-usual approach is unsustainable and has adverse consequences on the ecological system, society and business itself,” he said.

“This can be done through the optimisation of resources and processes across the supply chain, implementation of circular innovations to meet sustainability demands and the utilisation of advanced technologies for the automation of the factory floor and the overall business.”

Minister Ndlovu said the BCSDZ annual conference is an important event that promotes sustainable business practices to build resilient industries capable of sustainably driving Zimbabwe’s economy.

As the country works towards the attainment of an upper-middle-income society, Minister Ndlovu said the Government has prioritised inclusive sustainable industrial development.

In this regard, he said the country’s economic recovery will be underpinned by structural transformation towards sustainable and resilient industrialisation.

“To drive structural transformation, my ministry is implementing the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025), which is focusing on growth opportunities in the industrial and commercial sectors with the aim of reducing the import bill and facilitating local production,” he said.

“This transitional plan details strategies to address manufacturing cost drivers, strengthen value chains, promote linkages with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance collaborations between industry and innovation hubs under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.”

Minister Ndlovu said the volume of manufacturing index (VMI) for the second quarter increased by 19 percent, showing the reliance on the manufacturing sector and the potential of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation.

He said this growth must be sustained through strategic partnerships.

“In this regard, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has recognised that the restructuring of industrial systems needs a diverse, cross-sector approach. Therefore, the ministry is inviting the private sector to collaborate in the development of green industry strategies,” said Minister Ndlovu.

He said these green industry strategies will be incorporated in the drafting of the Zimbabwe Industrial Development Policy, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2030.

Established in 1993, BCSDZ is affiliated with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). This partnership enables local industries to connect with global peers, share best practices in sustainability and adopt innovative technologies.

The 2024 BCSDZ conference, themed “Catalysing Industrial Sustainability: Building Resilient Enterprise”, aligns with the Government’s priorities for climate change mitigation and economic resilience.

Minister Ndlovu stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure a just transition for citizens and a competitive environment for businesses.

“It should be noted that responding effectively to climate change requires continuous stakeholders’ collaboration and the Government acknowledges that more work is needed so that all key players, including the private sector and local communities, participate in climate change mitigation and adaptation,” he said.

“As a nation, we need to undertake a whole of Government and society approach and also build effective and meaningful partnerships with the broader international community.” — @SikhulekelaniM1