Vice President Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has said Zimbabwe is deliberately positioning itself to become a modern, industrialised and globally competitive economy capable of leading Africa into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Vice President made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 International Business Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds in Bulawayo today.
“As we engage today, we must recognise that we are actively shaping the architecture of a modern, industrialised and globally competitive Zimbabwean economy to lead Africa into the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
Addressing delegates drawn from Government, business, investors and development partners, VP Chiwenga said the country’s economic transformation agenda is anchored on innovation, industrialisation and strategic reforms aimed at improving competitiveness.
“The theme of this year’s conference, Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, is timely and strategic. It reflects the realities of a rapidly changing global economy in which competitiveness, innovation, resilience and collaboration have become the key determinants of national success,” he said.
He acknowledged that Africa had previously missed out on earlier industrial revolutions due to historical constraints but said the continent now has an opportunity to take a leading role.
“This new era offers Africa the chance, not merely to catch up, but to lead driven by technology, investing in skills, promoting research and innovation, building competitive industries and advanced production systems,” said VP Chiwenga.
The Vice President highlighted that Zimbabwe’s economic roadmap is guided by the National Development Strategy 2, which focuses on industrialisation, infrastructure development, private sector growth and job creation.
“We are determined to create an economy that rewards productivity, attracts capital and promotes long-term confidence,” he said, adding that Government remains committed to policy consistency, fiscal discipline, the sanctity of contracts, protection of investments, transparent regulation and continuous improvement in the ease of doing business.
He noted that Zimbabwe has made progress in stabilising its macroeconomic environment, with inflation easing and reforms strengthening economic fundamentals.
“Our focus remains on predictability, confidence building and sustainable growth,” he said, pointing to the introduction of the ZiG currency as part of broader stabilisation efforts.
On mining, VP Chiwenga said the sector continues to anchor the economy, contributing significantly to GDP and export earnings, but stressed the need to move away from raw mineral exports.
“The era of exporting raw resources without meaningful domestic benefit must give way to a new phase of in-country value addition, beneficiation, industrialisation and manufacturing,” he said.
He invited investment into mineral processing, refining, engineering services and downstream industries linked to mining value chains.
Turning to agriculture, the Vice President said the sector remains central to economic growth but emphasised the importance of value addition.
“Our greatest opportunity lies beyond primary production. It lies in agro-processing, packaging, storage, logistics and export market development,” he said.
He revealed that tobacco production is projected to exceed 400 million kilogrammes this season and outlined plans to expand value addition through processing and manufacturing.
On infrastructure, VP Chiwenga said Government is prioritising transport, energy, water and digital systems to support industrial growth.
“No economy can industrialise without modern infrastructure,” he said, citing ongoing road rehabilitation, railway revival projects and dam construction initiatives such as Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi.
He also underscored the importance of energy security, noting increased investment in renewable energy and regional power projects.
“A reliable and affordable power supply is indispensable for industrial production, economic growth and national competitiveness,” he said.
The Vice President further highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, including vehicle assembly, food processing, pharmaceuticals and steel production, as well as growth potential in the digital economy under a forthcoming National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
“Our objective is to position Zimbabwe as a competitive regional digital services and technology destination,” he said.
In tourism, he said Zimbabwe is leveraging its global recognition and natural attractions to attract investment in hospitality and conference facilities.
VP Chiwenga urged stakeholders to translate discussions into tangible outcomes.
“This conference must serve as a catalyst for concrete outcomes. We must convert dialogue into investment, partnerships into projects and opportunities into measurable economic impact,” he said.
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to international cooperation under its foreign policy of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” positioning the country as a gateway to regional markets.
“The policy direction is clear, the opportunities are substantial, and the commitment to reform is unwavering. Zimbabwe is ready, and open for mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.
Lastly, VP Chiwenga officially declared the 2026 International Business Conference open.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
