The government has declared its mission to restore Bulawayo to its former status as the nation’s industrial powerhouse, with a new focus on modern technology and sustainable development.
The pledge was made by Industry and Commerce minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu at the 32nd Annual Conference of the Business Council for Sustainable Development of Zimbabwe.
The conference theme, Industry 5.0: A Tool for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development, set the stage for the ambitious blueprint for Bulawayo.
Ndlovu recalled the city’s historic role as the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s manufacturing, engineering, textiles, and railway sectors.
“It powered our national economy, shaped innovation, and sustained generations,” he said.
“Today, we stand at a pivotal moment to reclaim that legacy and re-establish Bulawayo as a centre of innovation, manufacturing excellence, and sustainable development—a modern, competitive, and future-ready industrial city.”
The minister positioned the vision within the government’s broader economic strategy, citing the 2026 national budget.
He explained that the budget creates a resource-allocation framework designed to drive private-sector expansion, enhance competitiveness, support retooling, and strengthen critical infrastructure and energy security.
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“These developments underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to fast-tracking economic transformation,” Ndlovu said.
“We are fostering an environment where industries can innovate, expand, and achieve optimal efficiencies, ensuring our industrialisation is evidence-driven and aligned with global sustainability imperatives.”
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart represented by councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu, emphasised the need to revive the city’s industries.
The city has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe.
“This MoU ushers in a new era of collaboration,” Coltart said.
“It is a solid commitment to aligning our efforts and resources to tackle sustainability challenges head-on, promoting practices that will support this new industrial phase in areas like climate adaptation, energy management, and waste reduction.”
Coltart said the combined announcements signal a coordinated push to channel policy, funding, and partnerships directly into revitalising Bulawayo’s industrial base for the 21st century.
