MANDLA TSHUMA
A UNIFIED call for responsible mining, climate-resilient infrastructure, and robust public-private collaboration echoed through Zimbabwe’s two flagship industry gatherings in October.
The concurrent Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) and the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference and Expo (AfriConfex) underscored the country’s integrated strategy to drive industrial transformation under its Vision 2030.
Held at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), the twin expos drew hundreds of exhibitors, investors, and policymakers, highlighting the critical link between the mining, energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors.
“These events are far more than ceremonial fixtures on our national calendar; they are strategic instruments of economic transformation,” said Busisa Moyo, board chairman of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company, the organiser.
“They embody Zimbabwe’s collective ambition for sustainable industrialisation, infrastructure modernisation, and inclusive growth.”
Mining with a legacy
Under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” the 28th edition of Mine Entra challenged the sector to look toward long-term value. In his welcome address, President Emmerson Mnangagwa stated that the theme “challenges us to look past the immediate act of mining and focus on building a resilient, value-added, and responsible industry for generations to come.”
“Zimbabwe is endowed with vast mineral resources,” Mnangagwa said. “Our national strategy is to leverage this endowment not just for today’s prosperity, but for a sustainable tomorrow.”
With mining contributing nearly 12% to gross domestic product (GDP), the government is intensely focused on local beneficiation and smart technologies.
“In line with the National Development Strategy, my government is not only prioritising exploration and the opening of new mines but is also intensely focused on local beneficiation, value addition, and the adoption of smart mining technologies,” the President said.
He positioned the global green energy transition as “an immense opportunity” for Zimbabwe to become a key supplier of critical minerals.
“Our mission is to be a key player in global value chains, known for both the quality of our resources and the sustainability of our methods,” he said.
Building smarter infrastructure
Running alongside Mine Entra, AfriConfex 2025 was themed “Smart Moves: Powering Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Evolution.” Officially opened by Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona, the conference centred on smart cities, climate-resilient construction, and sustainable financing.
Mhona said the theme “emboldens us to reimagine infrastructure, not merely as physical assets, but as enablers of transformation — tools to bridge divides, build resilience, and unlock innovation.”
He outlined a vision to transform Zimbabwe from a landlocked nation into a “land-linked regional hub,” citing major upgrades to key road corridors, border posts, and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
“A revived railway is the smart move for our economy — the most cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly way to move bulk goods,” Mhona said.
Financing a sustainable future
Acknowledging fiscal constraints, the minister emphasised the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in bridging the infrastructure funding gap.
“Due to various pressing issues on the fiscus, allocation of funds for infrastructure projects is insufficient,” he said. “This calls for other viable options such as public-private partnerships.”
He pointed to the successful Beitbridge Border Post modernisation and the Harare-Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation as proof of the model’s viability.
A confluence of vision
The co-location of the two expos was a strategic move to foster cross-sectoral synergies. “Our aim is to create a dynamic platform that unlocks the full potential of our economy through collaboration,” said Moyo. “The future of mining and infrastructure lies in collective action.”
This sentiment was echoed by Mnangagwa, who reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to equitable and sustainable development.
“The growth of the mining sector must directly translate into improved social equity and the development of mining communities,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.”
Concluding on an optimistic and open note, the President extended a warm invitation to investors: “Zimbabwe is unequivocally open for business. We extend a warm invitation to all investors to join us in this transformative journey for mutual benefit.”
ENDS
Mthandazo Nyoni
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