HARARE, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday called for increased local manufacturing, mineral beneficiation and high-value exports to position the country as a competitive regional industrial hub.
Speaking at the inaugural two-day Zimbabwe Industrialization Conference and Expo (ZICE) in Harare, Mnangagwa emphasized the need to build a strong industrial base to transform natural resources into high-value products.
"Empowerment, wealth creation and a higher quality of social and economic services are the sum total of minerals processed locally, agricultural products transformed into finished exports, and manufactured machinery, pharmaceutical products, textiles or engineering components made here in the country," Mnangagwa said.
He highlighted key sectors, including iron and steel, lithium, cement, pharmaceuticals, agricultural processing and logistics.
"The need to beneficiate iron and steel, lithium, cement, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, leather, cotton, fertilizers, dairy, oilseed processing, as well as sugar, grains, logistics and packaging, are areas deserving attention from us all," he said.
To support this agenda, Mnangagwa said the government will continue to improve the investment environment, strengthen financing mechanisms and mobilize capital for productive sectors.
He also urged the mining sector to accelerate processing capabilities. "Stakeholders in mining and mineral value chain industries are challenged to quickly adapt and ensure that our strategic minerals are value-added and beneficiated for win-win benefits," Mnangagwa said.
Organized under the theme "Accelerating Industrialization Through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade," ZICE aims to unlock investment opportunities and foster industrial partnerships. In March, the Zimbabwean cabinet approved a ban on exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates to maximize mineral value.
