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Chronicle Writer

KARAN Group, in partnership with Bulawayo businessman and Zanu-PF Secretary for Business Development, Cde Elifas Mashaba, has opened a state-of-the-art service station in Bulawayo’s Belmont industrial area.

The launch ceremony, held last Thursday, marked a significant milestone in Bulawayo’s economic development, signalling the Government’s support for private-sector investments aimed at stimulating growth.

Speaking during the official launch of Karan Fuel Station, Zanu-PF Secretary-General, Dr Obert Mpofu, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 goal of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.

Dr Obert Mpofu

He said it also underscores the Government’s support for private-sector investments that contribute to the nation’s development.

“This new filling station promises to provide top-notch services, creating more employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in Bulawayo. This partnership demonstrates Karan Group’s commitment to investing in Zimbabwe’s growth, aligning with President ED Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,” he said.

Dr Mpofu praised the collaborative efforts between Karan Group and Cde Mashaba, citing the investment as an example of how foreign partnerships can contribute to the country’s development

As one of Africa’s top 10 fuel importers, Karan Group brings extensive experience in fuel importation, distribution and logistics.

Dr Mpofu expressed optimism that such investments would help Bulawayo reclaim its status as the country’s industrial hub, a status that has dwindled in recent years.

“I have witnessed a lot of development in other cities of the country, Bulawayo with 12 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year was not enough because the city used to be an industrial hub and all industries are empty with no investors,” he said.

“However, I am happy that the Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister,Raj Modi, has been in business and has survived business regardless of hard conditions. I have also just finished building one of the best hotels in town at number 10 Park Road in Khumalo.”

Cde Raj Modi

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, represented at the event by Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni, also commended the investment. She stressed the importance of win-win relationships between businesses and investors to enhance Bulawayo’s economic output.

She commended the investors and urged more businesses in the city to utilise their spaces by engaging investors in win-win relationships.

“The recently released GDP statistics show that Bulawayo contributed 12 percent to national GDP, coming second after Harare. In terms of exports, the province had the highest proportion that is exports among the 10 provinces in the country,” said Minister Ncube.

Minister Judith Ncube

Cde Mashaba, who owns Southern Petroleum, partnered with Karan Group under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement with a 50 percent share agreement. He explained that the partnership aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to develop a middle-income economy and attract more investors into the country.

“This is the first outlet to be opened in Zimbabwe with an agreement that I bring in my company under Southern Petroleum, which has been operating for the past 20 years and merged with Karan group,” he said.

“Now going forward and carrying the Vision 2030 of His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa. We need to be able to achieve a middle income for everyone and at the same time develop our place and the only way we can do this is to try and lure investors into the country and create a robust economic foundation for prosperity.”

Mr Mahajan said his company is committed to expanding its operations in Zimbabwe and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

“We are eager to expand our operations in Zimbabwe, creating more employment opportunities and stimulating economic development,” he said.

“As Karan Group, our focus is on customer satisfaction, quality products and cost-effective solutions. To achieve this, the company plans to introduce exciting promotions and enhance its services to meet the evolving needs of its clients.”

Among those who attended the event were Deputy Minister Modi, representatives from the Office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Charles Chiponda and Karan Group directors, among various business leaders.