PROMINENT businessman and Infrastructure Developer, Obey Chimuka has called for the development of self-sustaining business ecosystems to drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth, saying local companies must reduce reliance on external inputs and build integrated value chains.
Addressing the ZIM CEOs Policy Roundtable 2026 in Victoria Falls, the Fossil Contracting chief executive said Zimbabwe’s construction sector presents significant opportunities, particularly when anchored on collaboration, trust and local capacity building.
Chimuka reflected on the post-Government of National Unity period, describing it as a reset point for the industry.
“Around the government of national unity, no one had US dollars and everyone started from zero. The construction companies that were there started by owing because everyone had historical legacy debt. Any new construction that was established didn't have any legacy debt and we were starting on a new slate,” he said.
He noted that this environment created openings for new entrants with minimal resources.
“So, if you had any piece of equipment worth mentioning, there was work for you. And that was a huge opportunity that presented itself. And I said to myself, "I would want to enter this space.”
Chimuka recounted how he consulted his brother, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, before venturing into road construction despite lacking formal engineering expertise.
“I sat with my brother Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei and told him I am going to enter this space; I have got a few pieces of equipment. And he says "Obey you are going to embarrass me, you don’t know roads, you are not an engineer,” he said.
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The company’s early projects included a small road project and later work for Zimplats, which proved pivotal.
“Another company that trusted us was Zimplats, we did the Zimplats road right from the roundabout going back to Ngezi. It was a lucrative contract that allowed us to buy lots of equipment and it is because these people decided to trust us.”
He identified 2017 as a turning point, citing involvement in the Harare-Beitbridge highway project alongside other contractors.
“Five contractors were chosen and we did a huge amount of work in a short period, allowing us to build capacity and trust that we can do it ourselves.”
Chimuka also spoke about the challenges faced during major infrastructure projects, including the Trabablas Interchange, amid public scrutiny.
“When we decided that we were going to do the Trabablas Interchange, there was a lot of backlashes and I would sit with Dr Tagwirei and he would say Obey don't respond to backlash, the Trabablas itself will respond.”
Highlighting the importance of pioneering new ground, he added:
“And I said but I have never built a Trabablas, "and he said the person who built the first, who did they do a Trabablas? Don't you realise that there is always a pioneer in every sector?”
Chimuka said Zimbabwe’s infrastructure needs present vast opportunities for local players, noting the scale of roadworks required nationwide.
“Now the Ministry of Transport has more than 100 contractors and it's because a small number of contractors decided to believe. We have more than 4 500 kilometres of road just for Harare to be redone, a huge opportunity for Zimbabweans. We have a network of more than 90 000 kilometres around the country which needs to be done, huge opportunities.”
He emphasised that local financing solutions exist, urging businesses to adopt innovative thinking.
“There is internal funding here in Zimbabwe, all you need is to think around it.”
Chimuka said Fossil Contracting has pursued an ecosystem-based model to enhance resilience and efficiency, including vertical integration of key inputs.
“That why we ended up having our own crushing plant, our sand washing plant, our own scaffolding plant, our own beam making plant, our own concrete baking plant, then we said we must have a cement plant to complement it.”
He encouraged business leaders to collaborate rather than compete destructively.
“Rather than vilifying each other, let’s celebrate each other, let's share notes and find how we can transform this place.”
He concluded with an optimistic outlook on Zimbabwe’s potential.
“If we sit down and talk more, you will realise that this country is one of the greatest countries you could ever be in… If we wear the right lenses, we will see better.”
