Harare, Zimbabwe — July 25, 2026: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has outlined a bold vision for Zimbabwe, aiming to transform the nation into a leading regional and global industrial hub by 2027. This strategic ambition was articulated during the opening of the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026, which gathered over 500 delegates from various sectors including government, industry, academia, and the private sector.
The conference, themed “Accelerating Regional Industrialisation through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade, “underscored the critical role of modern infrastructure and green industrialisation in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation. President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for a conducive environment for industrial growth, highlighting institutional reforms and the facilitation of the industrialisation agenda.
The President’s vision is anchored in infrastructure development, green industrialisation, innovation, value addition, and regional trade. He stressed that modern and resilient infrastructure, including stable energy supply, efficient transport systems, reliable logistics, digital connectivity, and secure water supplies, are fundamental prerequisites for industrial transformation. Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector has shown significant progress, with capacity utilization rising from 35 percent in 2019 to 61.
2 percent in the first quarter of 2026. Manufacturing exports have also increased from US$360 million in 2019 to US$584 million, reflecting growing value addition and beneficiation across key industries. Despite these gains, the State of Industry Report indicates that Zimbabwe continues to import approximately US$2.
5 billion worth of manufactured goods that could potentially be produced domestically, highlighting opportunities for increased local production and import substitution. Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndhlovu called for intensified efforts to expand value addition and beneficiation to strengthen industrial competitiveness and boost exports. He emphasized the importance of stronger synergies within the manufacturing sector and other economic sectors.
The conference provided a platform for discussions on the challenges and opportunities in the industrial sector, with a focus on green industrialisation and regional integration through trade and value chains. President Mnangagwa’s vision for a regional industrial hub is supported by ongoing infrastructure projects, with plans to roll out over 20 major infrastructure projects in 2026.
As Zimbabwe seeks to become a regional and global industrial hub, the focus on modern infrastructure, green industrialisation, innovation, and regional trade is crucial.
The nation’s success in this endeavor will depend on its ability to overcome historical economic challenges and capitalize on its growth potential.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
