The Zimbabwean government has allocated ZiG$550.9 million in the 2025 National Budget to support industrial growth, including through the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP), according to Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu shared these details at a workshop in Harare Metropolitan Province. The ZIRGP, which follows the Zimbabwe Industrial Development Policy (2019-2023), aligns with the upcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) for 2026-2030.
An extra ZiG$100 million has been set aside for industrial development, aimed at supporting retooling and providing working capital for new projects.
The ZIRGP aims to revitalize Zimbabwe’s industrial sector. Minister Ndlovu noted that the funding will boost innovation, enhance industry capacity, and improve competitiveness.
The ZIRGP is already being rolled out, with various sectors working on their plans. One key step is the creation of the Local Content Strategy Steering Committee for Manufacturing, which ensures local production is prioritized.
To support local industries, the government has suspended duties on inputs for motor vehicle assembly and is taking action against smuggling to protect domestic industries from unfair competition.
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The government is also focusing on boosting local production and improving mineral processing, to reduce raw mineral exports and increase the value from Zimbabwe’s resources, strengthening the economy.
Minister Ndlovu emphasized that the ZiG$550.9 million for the ZIRGP and ZiG$100 million for industrial development show the government’s commitment to industrial growth. These funds will help key industries innovate and expand.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the private sector, academia, and international partners for the ZIRGP’s success. “By working together, we can overcome challenges and build a competitive, sustainable industrial sector,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu confirmed that Zimbabwe is focused on achieving Vision 2030, supported by National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The Ministry has identified ten key value chains, six of which are agro-based: cotton, dairy, fertilizer, leather, soya, and sugar. These sectors are vital to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.
