Government has called on the media to play a more active role in communicating Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda ahead of the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026, as the country seeks to accelerate economic transformation through manufacturing, innovation and regional trade.
Speaking during a media awareness briefing on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dr. Zhemu Soda, joined officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to outline the objectives of the upcoming conference, which will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Industrialisation through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade.”
The conference is expected to bring together government officials, industry leaders, investors, academics and development partners to explore strategies for unlocking investment, strengthening local manufacturing and advancing Zimbabwe’s industrial development agenda in line with Vision 2030.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ambassador Thomas Chifamba, said the conference would play a critical role in accelerating the country’s industrialisation drive and achieving sustainable economic growth.
He said the ministry was prioritising value addition in key productive sectors, particularly mining and agriculture, to maximise the country’s natural resources and improve domestic production.
Among the priority areas, Ambassador Chifamba said Government would focus on expanding local fertiliser production to strengthen food sovereignty while promoting downstream industries in the iron and steel sector to stimulate industrial development and create quality employment opportunities for Zimbabweans.
Addressing members of the media, Dr. Soda urged journalists to go beyond reporting conference proceedings and instead provide in-depth coverage that explains the significance of industrialisation to ordinary citizens.
“So, as we commence ZICE 2026, I encourage our media practitioners to go beyond reporting proceedings. Let your coverage unpack the substance behind the discussions. Explain how value addition creates jobs and demonstrate how beneficiation increases national wealth. Showcase how industrial innovation improves productivity and competitiveness. You are also required to highlight the opportunities emerging from regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Tell the story of how Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a competitive industrial economy,” said Dr. Soda.
The Minister said informed reporting would help improve public understanding of the country’s industrial transformation agenda and the economic opportunities arising from regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
A major highlight of this year’s conference will be the official launch of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Report, which provides an extensive assessment of Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape and future outlook.
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According to Dr. Soda, the report was compiled following a comprehensive nationwide research exercise involving more than 2,300 stakeholders, including 2,071 firms and 229 respondents drawn from Government, academia, research institutions, development partners, industry associations and other key stakeholders.
He said the report would provide valuable insights into the performance of Zimbabwe’s industrial sector while identifying opportunities and challenges that will inform future policy and investment decisions.
The Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue, investment promotion and collaboration aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, increasing value addition and enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitiveness within regional and continental markets.
Government views industrialisation as a key pillar of its Vision 2030 agenda, with increased local production, innovation and beneficiation expected to drive economic growth, create employment and improve livelihoods across the country.