Minister Mdlovu Calls for United Effort to Unlock Zimbabwe’s Economic Potential

Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Mdlovu has called for stronger collaboration between Government, the private sector and citizens to transform Zimbabwe’s abundant natural resources into inclusive economic growth and accelerate the country’s journey towards Vision 2030.

Addressing participants at the Sharpe Business Academy High-Impact Business Masterclass at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) yesterday, Minister Mdlovu said Zimbabwe possesses immense economic advantages, including vast mineral wealth, a robust agricultural sector and a talented human resource base capable of driving sustainable development.

He said achieving the national aspiration of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030 requires a shared commitment from all sectors of society, emphasising that national transformation can only be realised through collective action and strategic partnerships.

“Government alone cannot achieve Vision 2030, and neither can the private sector in isolation. Success depends on our ability to work together to unlock opportunities, create value and drive economic growth that benefits all Zimbabweans,” he said.

Minister Mdlovu highlighted the country’s rich mineral endowment as a key pillar for economic expansion but stressed the need to ensure that more young people actively participate in and benefit from opportunities across the mining value chain.

He said empowering youth through skills development, entrepreneurship and increased access to investment opportunities would help maximise the contribution of the mining sector to national development while creating jobs and wealth for future generations.

Turning to agriculture, the Minister underscored the sector’s central role in supporting industrial growth and economic diversification.

He noted that approximately 60 percent of the raw materials used by local industries are derived from agriculture, making the sector a critical foundation for value addition, manufacturing and broader industrialisation efforts.

Minister Mdlovu said strengthening linkages between agriculture, mining and industry will be vital in building resilient value chains, increasing production and enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.

His remarks come as Government continues to promote policies aimed at fostering industrial growth, attracting investment and leveraging the country’s natural and human resources to drive sustainable economic transformation under Vision 2030.

By Witness A Phiri