Energy
The economy is growing faster than power supply. The Hwange Unit 7 is expected to be commissioned by year end. A further 300 MW from Unit 8 is expected to come on stream by the second quarter of 2023. Efforts are on-going to expand the country’s energy mix, with focus on renewable energy.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Madame President;
Manufacturing
The rebound of the manufacturing sector is encouraging, with industrial capacity utilisation exceeding 66% in 2022, up from 47% in 2020. The implementation of the Local Content Strategy has seen the introduction of new products that are critical in the agriculture, mining and transport sectors, among others.
Transport
Modern and efficient infrastructure is the cornerstone for economic development. More than 340 kilometres of Harare-Beitbridge Road has been completed and open to traffic. Construction of the Mbudzi Interchange is also well underway. Local companies contracted in the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme have created both direct and indirect jobs. Considerable progress has been made on airstrips such as Binga and Bumi Hills, while the upgrading and modernisation of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is on schedule. Phase One of the Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation Project is complete and now open to the public.
Tourism
Tourism and hospitality sector is on a rapid post-COVID-19 recovery path and more airlines are servicing our routes.
State-Owned Enterprises
State Enterprises and Parastatals have great potential to contribute to economic growth. As such, their profitability and efficiency remain a priority. The Grain Marketing Board demerger has separated the Strategic Grain Reserve from the Commercial division. Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation subsidiaries have been recapitalised and strengthened through joint venture partnerships. Furthermore, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe are now operating as two distinct companies.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Madame President;
Census
In April of this year, our nation accomplished a historic transition by undertaking a digital Population and Housing Census, replacing the traditional paper based system. Results were delivered within a record time of less than three months. This is a sample of the importance of technologies and innovation in the improvement of our systems.
Education
The Competence-Based Curriculum in primary and secondary schools supports the transition from school to the world of work through study of sciences, technology, innovation and the production of goods and services.
Continued next page
(299 VIEWS)
