By Talkmore Mapfumo
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central Province, Honorable, Christopher Magomo, has declared that Mashonaland Central is ready to play a leading role in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation through strategic investments, value addition, and rural industrialisation.
Speaking at the 2026 Mashonaland Central Provincial Investment Conference held under the theme “Accelerating Rural Industrialisation and Modernisation for Sustainable Growth in Mashonaland Central Province,” Hon. Magomo highlighted the province’s vast investment opportunities and growing contribution to the national economy.
The Minister said Mashonaland Central currently contributes approximately 6.5 percent to Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), driven by key sectors such as mining, agriculture, retail, and tourism.
He identified tobacco processing, citrus value addition, agro-processing, mining, tourism, and energy development as some of the sectors offering significant investment opportunities.
He also pointed to ongoing gas exploration activities in Muzarabani as a potential game-changer for the province’s economic future.
Hon. Magomo said the province is positioning itself as a competitive investment destination capable of attracting both local and international investors while creating employment and improving livelihoods.
Supporting the province’s investment drive, Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Chief Executive Officer, Tafadzwa Chinamo, described Mashonaland Central as “investment-ready and bankable.”
“We cannot speak of the industrialisation of the country without its provinces. This is where it all starts,” said Chinamo, emphasizing the critical role provinces play in driving Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda.
He cited the Baradzanwa Cultural Village project as an example of how strategic investments can unlock economic opportunities, stimulate tourism growth, and enhance infrastructure development.
The conference brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, and development partners to explore strategies for accelerating rural industrialisation and promoting sustainable economic growth across Mashonaland Central Province.
