By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – Industry and Commerce Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu on Monday called on Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states to translate their green industrialisation commitments into practical programmes that attract investment, strengthen regional value chains and create sustainable employment.
Addressing the COMESA Green Industries Connect forum in Harare on Monday, Ndlovu said the region needed to move beyond policy declarations and focus on implementing initiatives that deliver tangible economic benefits to businesses and citizens.
“As COMESA member states, this conference must lead to a firm commitment to move beyond commitments and translate our shared industrialisation ambitions into concrete outcomes that deliver value to our economies and tangible benefits to our people,” he said.
The forum brings together governments, businesses, investors and development partners to explore opportunities for sustainable industrial development and circular economy business models.
Ndlovu said industrialisation remained central to Zimbabwe’s national development agenda, guided by Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP2) and the Local Content Strategy.
“Zimbabwe is pursuing an industrialisation pathway focused on domestic value addition, increased production, export growth and decent job creation, while promoting the efficient use of energy, water and raw materials. Sustainable industrialisation is not separate from industrial growth; it is an essential condition for long-term competitiveness, resilience and productivity,” Ndlovu said.
He urged industries across the region to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and increase the productive use of raw materials to lower operating costs and strengthen competitiveness.
Zimbabwe was working with the Climate Technology Centre and Network to develop a national de-carbonisation roadmap for the cement sector, he said, adding that opportunities also existed in iron and steel, mineral processing and other manufacturing industries.
Investment in renewable energy, energy-efficient machinery and water-recycling systems could help manufacturers reduce production costs, improve operational reliability and enhance their competitiveness, he added.
Ndlovu said effective waste management required integrated systems linking waste collection, recycling and manufacturing, backed by appropriate infrastructure, standards, financing and reliable markets.
He called on COMESA member states to strengthen regional value chains in recycling and resource recovery, while ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises, women and young entrepreneurs participated meaningfully in the emerging opportunities.
Ndlovu said COMESA had established a foundation for green industrialisation through its Industrialisation Strategy and Action Plan, which identifies priority sectors such as agro-processing, leather, textiles, energy and mineral beneficiation.
He also pointed to commitments made by COMESA ministers responsible for industry and investment at their September 8, 2026 meeting, including an inclusive transition to a circular economy and the promotion of green businesses.
He urged member states to incorporate regional priorities into national industrial development programmes, assign clear institutional responsibilities, mobilise resources and establish mechanisms to monitor progress.
The COMESA Green Industries Connect forum was held in Harare as part of the wider COMESA business and investment engagements scheduled for October 19–21, which bring together regional stakeholders to advance trade, investment, industrialisation and economic integration.
The discussions are expected to contribute to efforts to develop competitive and sustainable regional value chains, particularly in leather, textiles, plastics and electronic waste recovery.
New Ziana
