GOVERNMENT has announced an industrialisation drive anchored on the establishment of Community Empowerment and Enterprise Trusts (CEETs) in every district.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement meeting on industrial development on Wednesday in Harare, Industry and Commerce minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the “One District, One CEET” model would be a cornerstone of the country’s decentralised economic growth strategy, aligning national policy with grassroots empowerment.
“The One District, One CEET approach is about ensuring that no community is left behind as Zimbabwe industrialises,” he said.
“Each district will have a structured vehicle through which local people can participate meaningfully in economic activities and share in the value created from resources and investments in their areas.”
According to the minister, the framework will improve transparency, build trust between investors and communities and promote inclusive growth.
“Revenue sharing will no longer be an abstract concept. We are putting in place a practical, transparent and fair formula that allows communities to see tangible benefits such as improved infrastructure, social services and income-generating opportunities,” he said.
Ndlovu said CEETs would also be instrumental in driving rural industrialisation and local enterprise development, particularly through the establishment of industrial parks and village business units.
“CEETs will not just be passive entities; they will actively drive the establishment of industrial parks and village business units that support local entrepreneurs.
“This is how we create jobs where people live and reduce the costs associated with transporting raw materials to distant urban centres.”
The ministry will work with local authorities, traditional leaders and the private sector to operationalise the CEET framework, with pilot districts expected to be announced in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the initiative supports government’s vision of transforming rural economies from subsistence-based systems to vibrant industrial hubs linked to national and regional value chains.