STAKEHOLDERS in the transport and mining sectors have welcomed government’s promulgation of laws reserving specific sectors of the economy for Zimbabwean citizens.
The statutory instrument, which bars foreign nationals from participating in designated reserved areas, has been praised as a major step towards empowering locals and restoring fairness across strategic industries.
In the transport sector, industry players say the intervention addresses long-standing concerns over the dominance of foreign-owned entities, particularly those linked to major mining operations across the transport value chain.
In an interview with the media on Monday, Zimbabwe Indigenous Transporters Association chairperson Simon Gambiza said the move would allow local operators to reclaim their place in the industry.
“Large mining companies have been using their transport subsidiaries to ferry commodities and raw materials, limiting our participation,” he said.
“Government has now acted, allowing local transporters to return to business.”
The Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) also welcomed the development, saying foreign nationals had for years dominated the passenger transport sector.
ZUDAC secretary-general Frederick Magumamhinga said the new policy would protect local operators and dismantle emerging monopolistic networks.
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“Foreigners had taken over the passenger transport business, limiting opportunities for locals,” he said.
“Some cartels were even forming, so government has done well to ensure that citizens can fully participate in the economy.”
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector, responsible for nearly 70% of Zimbabwe’s gold output, has also been reserved for local citizens.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) said the move would boost the sector’s impact.
ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya said the policy strengthened national empowerment and positioned artisanal miners for greater success.
“This will increase the contribution of artisanal miners, who have already surpassed their targets this year,” she said.
“Maximum local citizen participation is good for the sector, while foreign investors can move up the value chain to make more meaningful contribution.”
Government said reserving sectors such as retail, pharmaceuticals and freight forwarding for local citizens was meant to safeguard national interests, maximise local participation and ensure foreign investors contribute more effectively to economic growth and national development.
The policy, authorities say, is part of broader efforts to create an inclusive, citizen-driven economy where locals benefit meaningfully from national resources and economic opportunities.
