Matebeleland MPs applaud rural industrialisation drive

Legislators from the Matebeleland region have expressed strong support for the government's emphasis on rural industrialisation, a key theme at this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). However, while they welcome the government's focus, some MPs raised concerns about the sincerity and ability of the government to deliver on these ambitious goals, citing past issues of corruption, mismanagement, and inadequate infrastructure.

Nkayi South legislator Jabulani Hadebe praised the government's focus on rural industrialisation, acknowledging its potential to transform rural communities by creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving living standards. However, Hadebe cautioned that the government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the underlying causes of rural de-industrialisation and the economic challenges facing rural areas.

"We welcome the focus on rural industrialisation, however, I question government's sincerity and ability to deliver, given its track record of corruption, rent-seeking behaviour, and mismanagement of the economy," Hadebe said. He stressed that meaningful reforms were needed to address the root causes of economic challenges in rural areas, warning that without significant changes, the government's rural industrialisation initiatives could fail to deliver tangible benefits.

Hadebe also highlighted the importance of improving rural infrastructure to enable industrialisation. "Infrastructure is key to the success of rural industrialisation. The government must prioritize infrastructure development, including roads and energy, to make rural areas more accessible to investors," he said.

Nkayi North legislator Sithembiso Nyoni echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure improvements as one of the major obstacles to industrialisation. "We need better roads and improved transport systems to make our rural areas more accessible and attractive to investors," Nyoni said. She also noted that rural areas are rich in raw materials, which could fuel industrialisation efforts and contribute to the country's overall economic growth.

Nyoni suggested that rural tourism should also be incorporated into the industrialisation strategy as it provides an opportunity to generate revenue while boosting local economies. "Rural tourism can create employment and revenue streams, which would greatly benefit rural industrialisation efforts," she added.

Tsholotsho North legislator Libion Sibanda agreed that rural industrialisation could be a key driver of economic growth. He highlighted the need for investments in telecommunication infrastructure to enhance connectivity and access to markets. "We face significant challenges in terms of poor network connectivity, which hampers access to markets and disrupts communication in rural areas," Sibanda said.

Sibanda also raised concerns about corruption, describing it as a major obstacle to the effective implementation of rural industrialisation policies. He called for policies tailored specifically to the needs of rural areas, arguing that these policies should focus on removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and rural investment. "We need policies that support rural areas and address the specific challenges they face. This would help achieve industrialisation more quickly and effectively," Sibanda concluded.

The government's focus on rural industrialisation was recently underscored by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, who revealed at a press briefing during the ZITF that the government is committed to prioritising rural industrialisation as part of its broader economic growth strategy.

While the legislators are optimistic about the potential of rural industrialisation, they emphasized the need for tangible actions and reforms to address the challenges that have hindered progress in rural development. As Zimbabwe looks to achieve more inclusive and widespread economic growth, the input of these rural legislators is vital in shaping a strategy that benefits all communities.