BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
In a decisive move to position Masvingo Province as a centre for sustainable economic transformation, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, yesterday announced the upcoming Masvingo Investment Conference, set to take place from July 21 to 26, 2025, at the Urban Lifestyles Hotel in Masvingo.
Held under the theme “Invest in Masvingo: Your Gateway to Economic Growth for Vision 2030,” the high-level event is expected to attract over 300 participants, both in-person and virtual, including a diverse mix of local and international investors, entrepreneurs, senior government officials, and development partners.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister Chadzamira emphasised the significance of the conference in advancing the goals of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which outlines the country’s roadmap towards becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030. He said the event would serve as a strategic platform to spotlight Masvingo’s rich and largely untapped investment potential, especially in priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
The six-day conference opened with a technical workshop from July 21 to 23, designed to provide sector-specific insights and prepare stakeholders for the broader discussions to follow. The main conference sessions, scheduled for July 24 and 25, will include panel discussions, expert presentations, exhibitions, and guided project tours to potential investment sites across the province.
The official opening ceremony on July 24 will be officiated by Minister Chadzamira, while Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, is expected to deliver the keynote address, articulating Zimbabwe’s current economic trajectory and highlighting national investment priorities.
Masvingo’s event comes on the heels of similar conferences successfully held in Manicaland and Midlands, signalling a deliberate nationwide push to decentralize economic development and unlock regional growth corridors.
A major focus of the conference will be showcasing bankable investment opportunities across the province. Organisers hope this will give potential investors clear insight into Masvingo’s economic landscape and project viability. At the same time, the event aims to build investor confidence by promoting transparency and fostering a better understanding of Zimbabwe’s evolving investment climate.
Another key objective is to strengthen partnerships between the government and the private sector. By encouraging dialogue and collaboration, organisers hope to create an enabling environment that supports long-term, mutually beneficial ventures. The conference also seeks to promote economic diversification and sustainability, with particular emphasis on sectors that can deliver inclusive growth and job creation for local communities.
A dedicated segment of the programme will target Zimbabweans in the diaspora, who are increasingly seen as critical stakeholders in the national development agenda. These sessions will provide information and pathways for diaspora investment in Masvingo, tapping into both financial resources and technical expertise.
With Masvingo boasting iconic economic and cultural landmarks such as the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site, Lake Mutirikwi, extensive sugarcane plantations, and a growing portfolio of mining ventures, the province is eager to attract both local and foreign capital to accelerate its development ambitions.
Authorities say the conference marks a turning point in efforts to elevate Masvingo’s investment profile and catalyse its transformation into a key economic player in line with Vision 2030.