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 Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

INDUSTRY and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said there is need to create an enabling environment that attracts investment and promotes industrial growth in the Sadc Region.

In his remarks during the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) Industrial Week breakfast meet organised by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Minister Ndlovu said unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth requires deliberate and strategic actions.

He said Sadc member states have to collaborate in this endeavour to make the whole Southern African region a prime investment destination.

“We must create an enabling environment that attracts investment, promotes a thriving commercial sector, simplifies regulatory frameworks, and enhances the ease of doing business,” said the Minister.

“In Zimbabwe, we are committed to streamlining our business registration processes, providing tax incentives for investors, and strengthening our property rights framework.

“By doing so, we aim to position Zimbabwe as a prime investment destination and attract investments into Sadc.”

The Sadc Industrialisation Week opened on Sunday and it was closed on Thursday, running under the theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised Sadc.”

A traditional precursor to the Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit, it is a public-private engagement platform aimed at fostering new opportunities for intra-African trade and investment in the Southern Africa region.

Minister Ndlovu said there are investments, which are collectively assessed as a region, by potential investors.

Therefore, he said there is need to liaise and collaborate in this endeavour to enhance the region’s capacity to attract investment.

“Our region is endowed with various mineral resources, rich agricultural land, huge forests and fauna, rivers to generate energy as well as the demographic of a young and educated population.

“I call on our business leaders to leverage on these regional strengths. The Sadc region, with its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and strategic geographic location, is primed for industrial growth.

“The implementation of the Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063) is pivotal in this regard, and we must collectively push for its full realisation.”

The Minister also called upon players to adopt green technologies, promote energy efficiency, and implement environmentally friendly practices across industries.

“Remember, the Stone Age didn’t end because we ran out of stones! It ended because we found better solutions. Sustainable development ensures that our economic growth does not come at the expense of our environment and future generations,” he said.

“In line with this, the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP) for 2025 to 2030, that the ministry is developing, emphasises sustainable practices and green industrialisation.

“By aligning our national policies with the broader Sadc framework, we can achieve a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

Minister Ndlovu said industry players must actively seek out and engage in public-private partnerships, regional alliances, and international collaborations that enhance industrial capabilities.

 

@SikhulekelaniM1