Zim inaugurates manufacturing sector local content steering committee
Industry and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Ndhlovu, on Monday inaugurated a steering committee for the manufacturing sector, expected to oversee the development and implementation of policies to boost local production.
Schweppes group managing director ,Cephas Msipa, chairs the 16-member committee, deputised by Zimplats chief executive officer Alex Membere and Agricultural and Rural Development Authority chief executive officer Tino Mhiko.
Others include Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries chief executive Sekai Kuvarika, Buy Zimbabwe campaign general manager, Munyaradzi Hwengwere, public relations experts Sibo Muteyiwa and Marjorie Mutemererwa as well as Zanu PF director for economic affairs Annastancia Ndlovu.
The committee will run for one year.
Ndhlovu said top of the committee’s priorities was to address the challenges that local manufacturers were facing and recommend incentives to boost local production.
“One of the challenges is the high importation of specified products which have the potential to be produced locally. We do realise that we are exporting potentially value addable materials, but we still export them as raw materials,” he said.
He said the steering committee was mandated to oversee the development and implementation of local content policies aimed at increasing local participation in the manufacturing sector.
“The committee is also expected to improve the competitiveness of locally produced products in line with the local content strategy and the National Development Strategy 1.
“One of the committee’s functions includes formulating and approving local content strategy, recommending local content incentives and government interventions or support measures,” said Ndhlovu.
Last week, Ndhlovu launched the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan 2024-2025 which highlights the need to prioritise local production of certain goods. Targeted products include fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, edible crude oil, buses, trucks, lithium and leather. – New Ziana
