Construction sector targets US$100m projects in 2025
THE local construction sector is angling at handling an estimated US$100 million worth of projects by the second quarter of 2025, building on the momentum achieved so far, Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association president, Dr Tinashe Manzungu, has said.
The industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by public investment in infrastructure projects, private sector investment in residential and commercial projects, amid the increasing demand for housing and other infrastructure in urban areas.
The projects span various economic sectors such as energy, roads, mines, agriculture and manufacturing.
The growth is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy, creating jobs, stimulating related industries and fostering overall economic development.
Giving a state of the construction industry report last week at the inaugural Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association summit in Victoria Falls, Dr Manzungu said the association aligns with the country’s ambition of becoming an Empowered and Upper-Middle- Income State by 2030.
He said the construction industry not only generates 25-30 percent of national employment but is also a key enabler in achieving National Development Strategy (NDS1) targets.
“Zimbabwe is constructing new dams since 2021. The Government announced that US$10 million was directed for the development of 10 major dams, which are part of a long-term plan that shall support the agricultural sector and harness water for industrial and domestic use,” said Dr Manzungu.
“However, this has not yet yielded as per plan due to liquidity challenges. This, therefore, is one of the key reasons why we have ignited the ZBCA-Zida Collaboration, which will see investors linking with your local contractors in public and private infrastructure projects.
“In the second-half of 2025 we are expecting investment to the tune of at least US$$100 million worth of projects being done by our members,” said Dr Manzungu.
Vice-President Dr Chiwenga was the guest of honour at event. As part of rebuilding the economy, the Government identified infrastructure as one of the key economic enablers and priority has been placed on infrastructural development including road rehabilitation, the construction of dams, and housing projects among others.
Infrastructure development also dovetails with the Second Republic’s vision of an upper middle-income economy by 2030, which is anchored on the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Dr Manzungu said infrastructure development is slowly being standardised in the region.
VP Chiwenga
“Road infrastructure in the SADC region now follows the SATTC standards. Coming closer to home, 90 percent of ERRP2 projects, which have again been successfully implemented by your local contractors, are conforming to SATTC standards.
“Zimbabwe’s road networks are being rehabilitated with new roads being constructed. In 2019, the Government through the President launched a US$400 million Emergency Road Rehabilitation Program (ERRP) meant to improve the country’s road networks,” he said.
“However, this again requires effective PPPs governed by proper legislation in-order to enhance and catalyse the projects.”
Dr Manzungu underscored the importance of regional unification in infrastructure development.
“We must also strengthen regional integration and co-operation. By harmonising our policies and regulations, we can attract more investment and promote sustainable economic growth,” he added.
“Together, we can create a seamless environment for the execution of infrastructure projects, facilitating an easier pathway for local contractors to engage in both Government and private initiatives.
“This has led ZBCA to collaborate with sister organisations like Master Builders South Africa and Zambia National Association, among other SADC countries that we are finalising with.”-chroncile
