NDS2: Kamativi Mine Drives Local Business Empowerment

The Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) has taken a significant step toward inclusive economic growth by awarding contracts to local businesses, marking a shift from traditional corporate social responsibility to a more sustainable community-driven development model.

The initiative, in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), responds to long-standing calls from communities in Hwange District for greater participation and tangible benefits from mining activities in the area.

Under the new approach, KMC is integrating local enterprises into its supply chain, creating opportunities in sectors such as logistics, construction, and site maintenance. This move also complements national industrialisation efforts anchored on Education 5.0, which promotes innovation, production, and community empowerment.

The company’s efforts extend beyond procurement. KMC has been investing in community infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of solar-powered boreholes and the upgrading of local health facilities. At full production, the mine is expected to employ more than 1,200 workers, with a strong emphasis on recruiting from surrounding communities.

KMC’s local empowerment drive also aligns with global responsible mining standards, as the company undergoes independent assessments such as those conducted by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA). These standards encourage stakeholder inclusion, ensuring that local businesses and communities play a meaningful role in mining operations.

For Kamativi, once considered a “ghost town” following the closure of its historic tin mine, the initiative brings renewed economic hope. By supporting small-to-medium enterprises and generating sustainable income streams, the project is expected to stimulate local economic growth and improve livelihoods.

The development reflects a broader shift within Zimbabwe’s mining sector, where there is increasing emphasis on ensuring that mineral extraction directly benefits host communities while contributing to national industrial growth.