By Rex Mphisa
VAST investment opportunities exists in Energy Development, Tourism, Infrastructure Development, Value Addition and Beneficiation, and commercial Horticulture in Matabeleland South, a senior government official has said.
Responding to journalists at the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Media Pavilion at the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe invited businesspeople to exploit the abundant opportunities.
Nguluvhe said there are diverse opportunities and an enabling climate for energy investment in Solar, Wind and biogas plants in the 154,172 km² province in ecological regions 4 and 5.
Matabeleland South has an arid to semi-arid climate characterised by high temperatures, low/erratic rainfall, and frequent droughts.
It is one of Zimbabwe’s hottest regions, experiencing over 9.5 hours of sunshine daily for most of the year. The region is generally hot and dry, with a rainy season from November to March.
While of late due to La Nina conditions it has been wet enjoying unprecedented levels if rainfall, it offers a conducive condition for both wind and solar energy.
In his channel update seen by Ziyah News Network Nguluvhe also spoke of Tourism opportunities enabled by vast Wildlife conservation safaris, hotels, lodges, recreational facilities sitting in an area with at least four national parks, two of them shared with neighbouring countries.
Nguluvhe said these parks offered air service business, tourist safari and hunting expeditions that could awaken a tourism giant sleeping in the province.
“There is also an opportunity in Infrastructure Development, housing projects, commercial buildings, dams, roads, clinics, hospitals, and educational institutions at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels,” he said.
Since assuming office Nguluvhe has said opportunities in private tertiary colleges exist in the province with a lot of school leavers and these could focus on animal husbandry, mining and cropping which form the backbone of the vast province.
On value addition he said investors could also establish beef canning plants, mineral beneficiation facilities, leather processing plants, and agro-processing industries.
He said his office has ongoing efforts to attract both local and foreign investors by hosting and participating in business forums such as conferences, exhibitions, and networking events.
This year alone his office has held several conferences including the latest in Gwanda where local authorities were invited to showcase what their different locations offered.
Nguluvhe also invited local investors ro exploit twinning opportunities existing between Matabeleland South and Limpopo Province of South Africa which of late is included on all platforms where his province features.
To assist the investors, Nguluvhe said his office is advocating for reduced cost of doing business in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance ad Investment Promotion.
“We are also leveraging Provincial Investment and Development Committees to address investor concerns and improve the business climate. We encourage maintaining an open-door policy to support strategic initiatives that drive economic growth,” he said.
“We are also leveraging Media for Development Communication and our province continues to utilise diverse media platforms to promote development initiatives and ensure inclusive information dissemination. These include coverage of key programs and investment projects through visual media and the use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook.”
He said traditional communication channels including billboards, television, radio stations, street banners, roadshows, and community newspapers, community and regional radios are being employed as well.
“Community and regional radio stations play a vital role in development communication by broadcasting in local languages to enhance understanding. These also encourage interactive dialogue through audience participation.”
He said the communication platforms are also used for disseminating early warning information for disaster preparedness and promoting health education and positive social behaviour.
He said Matabeleland South remained committed to fostering sustainable economic growth, improving livelihoods, and positioning itself as a prime investment destination in Zimbabwe.