Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is setting its sights on boosting exports and attracting more investment inflows under the upcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), as the country seeks to build on the foundation laid by its predecessor, NDS1.
With preparations for the launch of NDS2 underway, key economic institutions are crafting strategic roadmaps to stimulate socio-economic growth over the next five years.
NDS1, which spanned from 2021 to 2025, registered notable achievements, including driving annual export earnings beyond US$7 billion. Now, authorities are aiming even higher.
In an interview with the media recently, ZimTrade client manager, Kupakwashe Midzi, attributed the current upward trend in exports to the successful implementation of NDS1 goals.
“You can see that our statistics are showing an upward trajectory in exports. This is a result of the NDS1 aspirations whereby for the past five years, focus has been on regaining all the external markets,” he said.
He highlighted horticulture as a standout performer, citing its success in penetrating foreign markets.
“The horticulture sector has performed extremely well and this has laid the roadmap for increased export receipts,” he added.
Going forward, Midzi emphasised the importance of value addition, stating that processing raw exports locally would significantly increase earnings and help the country meet its long-term economic targets.
On the investment front, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has recorded a growing number of project inquiries, particularly in mining and energy.
This positive trend is expected to continue under NDS2.
“The project inquiries have been on an improved note. It is through that trend whereby we are now focusing on further easing all challenges faced by the investors while ensuring that approved projects are implemented,” said ZIDA’s Chief Investment Promotion officer, Engineer Silibaziso Chizwina.
He stressed the need for policy alignment across government departments to unlock the full potential of investment opportunities.
“We shall continue to work with all the relevant agencies in crafting policies that will have a positive bearing in unlocking the value of projects. The goal is also to ensure that investment is decentralised across all parts of the country to accelerate national development,” he said.
As Zimbabwe moves into the next strategic phase, NDS2 is expected to sharpen the country’s economic focus and act as a vital step towards achieving Vision2030, the national goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
