By Patience Gondo
LOCAL and international investors, including those in the diaspora, should invest in Matabeleland South where vast opportunities across key economic sectors.
Speaking at the Matabeleland South Investment Conference held on March 20, Chief Director for Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Joseph Mverecha, said the province is ready to receive investment that drives production and employment creation.
“Investors should come to Matabeleland South, including those in the diaspora. As the Ministry, we are ready to declare economic zones as long as there is production and employment creation,” he said.
He said Matabeleland South’s geographic positioning gives it a competitive edge, as it serves as a gateway to the Beitbridge Border Post, the country’s busiest trade corridor linking Zimbabwe to regional and international markets.
This proximity enhances access to Southern African Development Community (SADC) trade routes, making the province ideal for logistics, manufacturing and cross border trade.
Opportunities exist across mining, agriculture, energy and tourism, with stakeholders highlighting the need to unlock value through increased investment and infrastructure development.
Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Moyo welcomed the renewed focus on investment, expressing optimism about the province’s economic prospects.
However, he raised concerns over currency related procurement challenges, particularly in accessing foreign currency for essential goods such as fuel.
“ l suggest that the ministry disburse funds in both currency for development purposes 50% ZIG and 50% foreign currency for development purposes ,” he said .
Meanwhile, Chief Investment Promotion Officer at Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency, Silibaziso Chizwira, urged investors to take advantage of the agency’s digital platforms designed to simplify investment processes.
She said the ZIDA e-Regulations Portal and Do-It-Yourself platform streamline licensing and regulatory compliance, offering a turnaround time of seven days. The system also enables local authorities to integrate bylaws and permit processes, reducing administrative bottlenecks and improving service delivery.
“By digitising procedures, we are making it easier for investors to establish operations in their preferred locations while ensuring efficiency and transparency,” Chizwira said.
Earlier , the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, had challenged investors to adopt inclusive investment models that benefit local communities.
He warned against extractive practices that leave communities impoverished.
“Investors must not come here to exploit resources and leave without benefiting the people. Employ locals and ensure communities derive value from these investments,” he said.
Mverecha also painted a positive macroeconomic outlook, revealing that inflation remains under control. ZiG annual inflation stood at 3.8 percent in February 2026, while month-on-month inflation remained stable at 0.1 percent.
He said US dollar inflation has significantly declined, reflecting improved price stability and strengthened policy coordination.
“We are moving towards sustaining single-digit inflation, in line with regional peers such as South Africa,” he said.
The conference brought together stakeholders from across all seven districts, with each presenting investment portfolios, underscoring Matabeleland South’s readiness to attract and sustain meaningful investment.