THE government is seeking to establish a partnership that includes mining companies and other bulk commodity movers to revive National Railways of Zimbabwe.
The remarks were made by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga during the official opening of the International Business Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
yesterday.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy consistency and fiscal discipline through deliberate reforms and clear policy direction.
Chiwenga said the government would continue to rehabilitate and expand major road networks, and regional trade corridors that connected Zimbabwe to neighbouring markets and seaports.
“We are equally committed to revamping rail systems through partnerships with local mining houses and other movers of bulk commodities to restore and enhance our railway infrastructure,” he said.
“The earmarked railway lines are Victoria Falls-Bulawayo, Bulawayo-Dabuka, Dabuka-Rutenga-Beitbridge and Chiredzi-Mvuma-Dabuka.
“This will address the increasing demand for transporting bulk goods both domestically and internationally in a cost-effective manner as well as, decongest our roads.’’
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Added Chiwenga: “Furthermore, we are inviting partnerships for key railway corridors, namely the Lions Den to Kafue in Zambia; the Plumtree-Dabuka-Chicualacuala line, Harare-Bindura-Moatize in Mozambique link; Kadoma-Sengwa link; Mutare-Mkwasine and Dorowa-Nyazura link.”
He stated that the government is revitalising the domestic automotive industry through a strategic partnership between Willowvale Motor Industries and Leyland to produce custom-built buses suitable to the Zimbabwean terrain.
“Bus kit production is expected to commence in Harare towards the end of 2026, enabling continuous local assembly at Willowvale Motor Industries, with an initial target of 50 buses for the domestic market,” Chiwenga said.
On fiscal discipline through deliberate reforms and clear policy direction, Chiwenga said the theme of the ZITF business conference, Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, reflected the realities of a rapidly changing global economy.
“Zimbabwe is pursuing the agenda through deliberate reforms and clear policy direction, the sanctity of contracts, protection of investments, transparent regulation and continuous improvement in the ease of doing business,” he said.
“These principles are essential to unlocking domestic and international investment.”
He indicated that inflationary pressures have moderated significantly, while monetary and fiscal reforms continue to strengthen economic fundamentals.
He cited the introduction of the ZiG currency as part of broader efforts to establish a stable domestic currency.
Chiwenga stated that Zimbabwe will no longer export raw resources without deriving maximum value.
“The era of exporting raw resources without meaningful domestic benefit must give way to in-country value-addition, beneficiation and manufacturing,” he said.
He called on the private sector to partner government in expanding energy, transport and digital infrastructure, adding that Zimbabwe offers itself as a strategic gateway to regional markets through Sadc, Comesa and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
