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Wallace Ruzvidzo

Herald Reporter

Zimbabweans are demonstrating that they are a strong and united nation that is primed for a prosperous future, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his address at the 386th ordinary session of the Zanu PF Politburo held at the ruling party’s headquarters today, the President commended the nation for its unity.

The Zanu PF First Secretary said the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the country is a catalyst for national development.

“Allow me to commend the leadership of our revolutionary mass party, Zanu PF, our membership, as well as the whole nation, for the successful celebration of the Heroes and Defence Forces Days.

“In our gatherings across the length and breadth of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, we demonstrated that we are a strong, united nation that is confident of a brighter and prosperous future.

“It is very apparent that individually and collectively, across communities, we all appreciate the prevailing unity, peace, and security within our country, which are essential ingredients for national development.

“This is commendable. Well done, my fellow countrymen and women. Ngatirambei takabatana, tichivaka nyika yedu,” he said.

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere today toured Zimpapers’ premises in Harare, as part of his ongoing familiarisation visits to local media houses.

During the visit, Dr Muswere inspected the Group’s newly modernised newsroom, which is set to bring together reporters from across all Zimpapers publications under one roof.

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and the integration of digital-first news production.

The minister also toured Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) studios, as well as other key departments within the organisation, where he interacted with staff and management.

Dr Muswere’s visit is part of Government’s broader engagement with media stakeholders to strengthen relations and support ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s media landscape.

 Mukudzei Chingwere in Surat, Gujarat State, India

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has touched down in Surat this morning, marking the commencement of his working visit to India. 

Speaking to journalists on arrival the Vice President explained the dual purpose of his visit, highlighting his participation in both the – Chalo Zimbabwe which means Let’s Go to Zimbabwe – indaba and the upcoming Africa Conclave on India-Africa Partnership.

One key area of focus for Zimbabwe, as highlighted by the Vice President, is the diamond industry.  Additionally, VP Chiwenga outlined Zimbabwe’s ambitions to increase tourism inflows from India.  He spoke about the upcoming 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia and South Africa. 

Vice President Chiwenga expressed hope for increased cooperation in sports tourism and collaboration in cricket. “I am here to strengthen our diplomatic and economic ties with India, engage with key business leaders and explore opportunities that can benefit Zimbabwe’s economy,” said VP Chiwenga.

“Here in Gujarat and Surat to be precise they are renowned for their expertise in diamond value addition and processing and this is precisely what Zimbabwe aims to tap into. “We are also targeting to boost our tourism sector and this conference is a vital step in showcasing our country’s potential as a premier destination.

“This visit presents a unique opportunity to enhance our engagement in sports tourism. As we prepare to co-host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, we recognise that India has a strong cricketing tradition. 

“Our goal is to foster a wide range of collaborations in this sector, including the development of cricket in Zimbabwe by leveraging India’s expertise. 

“My visit here is a multi-pronged agenda aimed at strengthening our ties through agriculture,  mining,  tourism,  health,  sports and many others,” said VP Chiwenga. 

His visit is part of a grand strategy by the two countries to leverage their bilateral relations into mutually beneficial economic cooperation for its peoples. It also comes at a time when President Mnangagwa is championing rapid economic growth towards an empowered upper-middle income economy.

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Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced the formation of the Bulawayo Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (BMSMEs) Apex Board, a representative body set to strengthen engagement between informal sector players and authorities.

“Bulawayo Province has constituted a Bulawayo Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (BMSMEs) Apex Board, whose mandate is to represent informal sector players in their engagement with authorities, including the City of Bulawayo,” the local authority posted on its X account.

The membership of the Apex Board is drawn from a wide cross-section of informal sector organisations operating in the city, signifying a consolidated approach to addressing issues affecting entrepreneurs in the sector.

The Board was officially presented to its membership on Wednesday at the Large City Hall, in a ceremony witnessed by officials from the City of Bulawayo and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

During the event, the Ministry reaffirmed Government’s position on the importance of regulation and compliance within the informal economy.

“The Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender, Small and Medium Enterprises Development restated Government’s position that the informal sector should be regulated and that players should operate within the confines of the law,” read part of the statement.

Council also underscored the need for operators to formalise their businesses to enhance service delivery and the development of decent working spaces.

“On the other hand, the City of Bulawayo encouraged players in the informal sector to register and meet Council obligations to enable the local authority to improve their working spaces,” the local authority added.

The launch of the BMSMEs Apex Board comes at a time when the informal sector continues to play a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy. In Bulawayo, thousands of families depend on informal trading for their livelihoods, with the sector widely recognised as one of the biggest employers outside the formal job market.

Nationally, studies indicate that the informal economy contributes significantly to household incomes and has become a major driver of job creation at a time when formal sector opportunities remain limited.

The establishment of the Apex Board is expected to streamline communication between informal traders and authorities, while ensuring that the sector contributes more meaningfully to the city’s economic growth and job creation agenda.

ZTN Correspondent

All is set for the Jehovah’s Witnesses special conventions which will run from the 22nd to the 24th of August and from the 5th to the 7th of September at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

A business meeting and official launch of the event was held this morning at the venue.

A Spokesperson for the Witnesses, Mr Kuda Chikuvadze gave a background of the event, saying about 4,000 delegates from 14 countries are expected to attend the two special conventions.

The organising coordinator of the events, Mr Austin Makowa, outlined the impact the conventions will have on Zimbabwe’s economy.
“These conferences will not only benefit Zimbabwe spiritually and culturally, but will also have an impact on the fiscus,” said Makowa.
He said the conventions will boost the hospitality and transport sectors and related industries.

Mr Makowa said bids were made in 2023 by different countries to host the conventions, which will run under the theme “Pure Worship”, and in Africa, Zimbabwe won the hosting rights.

Mr Makowa said delegates have started arriving in Zimbabwe and visiting tourist attractions.

Stakeholders who attended the official launch of the conventions included Acting Harare Mayor, Councillor Stanley Manyenga, police Reverend, Chief Superintendent Lloyd Bepura, representing Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba, Malawi embassy representative Dr Hudson Mankhwala, transport sector representative, Mrs Chinhamo, and Kuimba shiri bird park owner, Gary Stafford.

Mukudzei Chingwere in Surat, Gujarat State, India

ZIMBABWE’S drive to accelerate economic growth through export-led development is beginning to yield results, with annual exports to India soaring dramatically over the past eight years.

From a modest US$65 000 in 2017, Zimbabwe’s exports to the world’s fourth-largest economy surged to more than US$46 million last year.

The sharp rise reflects Government efforts under President Mnangagwa to boost production and expand value-added exports as part of a wider strategy to reduce the trade deficit and create jobs.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to India, Mrs Stellah Nkomo, said growing Indian interest in Zimbabwean products, tourism and investment opportunities is opening new frontiers for bilateral trade.

“There has been a huge increase in Zimbabwean exports to India up from US$65 000 in 2017 to more than US$46 million last year but we feel there is room for further growth,” said Amb Nkomo.

“Our target is that we want to narrow the imports and exports, last year we imported more than US$100 million and we want to grow the exports from Zimbabwe to those levels.

“Interestingly, there is huge interest in Zimbabwean products across sectors, our exports are mainly the agricultural sector that is tobacco, but there are a lot of inquiries in other sectors like tourism, mining, renewable energy among others.

“What makes our work easier in the diplomatic missions is the active participation of our leadership right from the President in promoting investment into the country.”

Alongside trade, tourism links between the two countries are also strengthening.

The Zimbabwean mission in New Delhi has seen a surge in inquiries from Indian tourists, attracted by Zimbabwe’s diverse travel offerings.

In June, a delegation of Indian visitors toured the country’s natural wonders, further underscoring the growing interest.

To consolidate these gains, the Government deployed a tourism attaché to New Delhi in 2024, a strategic move aimed at deepening Zimbabwe’s presence in one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets.

The initiative comes as global travel continues to rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amb Nkomo said Zimbabwe’s visa-on-arrival policy for Indian nationals has also boosted the country’s appeal.

“There is huge interest from India, with many inquiries and a growing number of tourists already visiting Zimbabwe,” she said.