Nqobile Bhebhe, Africazine
At the heart of Zimbabwe’s economic aspirations, the 4th edition of the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) took place in Bulawayo, brimming with optimism and forward-thinking strategies, spearheaded by Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube. Excitingly, projections for the economy are glowing, with anticipated growth upgraded to a promising 6.6% for 2025.
During his keynote address, Professor Ncube informed enthusiastic delegates that President Mnangagwa had sent his regards as he was tied up with other vital commitments. However, he affirmed that the spirit of the conference is to discuss and shape a robust economic framework for the nation. “The economy is projected to grow by 6.6 percent, I repeat by 6.6 percent,” he emphasized, showcasing confidence in Zimbabwe’s potential.
The theme for this year’s event, “Macroeconomic and Sectoral Policies for Broad-based Economic Transformation,” highlights a progressive vision: to not only stabilize but also to transform Zimbabwe’s economy through sustainable frameworks and targeted interventions. Key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing are placed in the spotlight, underscoring their critical roles in economic development.
ZEDCON 2025 is more than just a gathering; it’s a roadmap focused on essential pillars including macroeconomic stability, investment in agro-processing, and fostering resource mobilization. Notably, discussions also touched on the urgency of developing digital infrastructure—a topic that reveals a forward-looking strategy as Zimbabwe seeks to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to amplify its Gross Domestic Product.
Deputy Minister of Finance, David Mnangagwa, kicked off discussions by advocating for sincerity and evidence-based dialogues among participants. “Honest engagements are essential not just for us but for our beloved nation,” he stated passionately.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Innocent Matshe, echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to economic stewardship. His assurance that Zimbabwe is open for investment should resonate beyond borders, inviting global citizens to take part in the country’s bright economic future. “We have a capital-in and capital-out policy that ensures seamless transitions for investments,” Dr. Matshe noted.
As we look ahead, the output from ZEDCON is poised to play a pivotal role in charting Zimbabwe’s development agenda, aligning with the inclusive vision of Vision 2030 aimed at elevating the country to upper-middle-income status, fostering job creation, and reducing poverty.
This conference exemplifies the unity and direction that Zimbabwe is embracing as it walks towards a prosperous future, and it will be intriguing to see how these initiatives materialize in the months and years to come.
Tags: #Zimbabwe #WorldNews #Economy #BusinessNews
