ZIMBABWE’S industrial transformation drive gathered momentum this year, with the manufacturing and commerce sectors posting robust growth and strengthening their contribution to the economy.
The manufacturing sector reportedly accounted for 15.3 percent of GDP while commerce contributed 11.9 percent, marking a defining phase in the country’s re-industrialisation agenda.
Capacity utilisation also rose from 51 percent in 2024 to 57.3 percent in 2025, underpinned by more than US$1.5 billion in new investments by manufacturers.
In a further sign of renewed industrial activity, value-added exports grew by 18 percent, rising from US$229 million recorded between January and August 2024 to US$345.4 million during the same period this year.
These developments were highlighted by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu in a speech delivered on his behalf by the ministry’s director of industry, Mr Dayford Nhema, at the Zimbabwe Federation of Industry and Commerce ZimProsperity Awards held in Harare.
Minister Ndlovu said the country’s Vision 2030 framework places strong emphasis on the deployment of ICTs, innovation, research and technological advancement to enhance productivity and competitiveness across industrial sectors.
Government, he said, is fully committed to harnessing natural endowments, cultural heritage and technology to accelerate industrial growth.
“The year 2025 has been a defining moment in our industrial transformation journey, with the manufacturing and commerce sectors’ contribution to the country’s GDP reaching 15.3 percent and 11.9 percent respectively. Capacity utilisation rose from 51 percent in 2024 to 57.3 percent in 2025. The manufacturing sector invested over $1.5 billion, and value-added export increased by 18 percent from $229 million between January and August 2024 to $345.4 million during the same period in 2025,” he said.
The minister also noted strengthened collaboration with customs authorities to curb smuggling, which has long undermined domestic industries.
The crackdown has improved market share for local producers and boosted Government revenue.
“This significantly reduced smuggling of targeted goods and resulted in the local producers reporting increased market share and Government revenue collection also increased.
“As a nation, we have continued to move forward investing in value addition and beneficiation, expanding domestic production, modernising factories and protecting our industries from unfair competition. “Whether through digital trade adoption, renewable energy integration, or diversification into high-value export markets, we have demonstrated what Zimbabwean companies are capable of doing when ambitions meet opportunities,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu stressed that industrialisation is a shared responsibility requiring strong partnerships between Government, the private sector and development agencies. He reaffirmed Government’s pledge to maintain a stable policy environment guided by the NDS2 and the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, which build on reforms initiated under NDS1.
The minister added that by harnessing cultural diversity and intensifying value addition, Zimbabwe can position itself competitively across regional and global markets.
Industry captains were urged to embrace 5.0 technologies to stay ahead. “By adopting technologies like AI, blockchain and the internet of things, we can increase productivity, efficiency and innovation across the various subsectors of our economy.””
“You will be aware that NDS1 is also prioritising the digital transformation to ensure Zimbabwe becomes a hub for technology-driven industries . . . the Government’s goal is to create a sustainable and upper-middle-income economy where Zimbabweans enjoy a high standard of living.
“Achieving this requires investment in human capital, equipment and entrepreneurial skills,” he said.-herald
