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Amidst a myriad of challenges facing economies of the world, Zimbabwe continues to witness and register signature foreign direct investment projects.
These projects cut across sectors and cover the length and breadth of Zimbabwe’s territory, in fulfilment of our policy of devolution and even development.
Bikita lithium project in Masvingo
Only two weeks ago, I was in Bikita, Masvingo, where a Chinese investor, Sinomine, has taken over operations of that key lithium asset which was almost going dormant. Output has grown tremendously and an exciting expansion programme is underway.
Muzarabani puts Zimbabwe on global map
In Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central, activities on our oil and gas project continue to gather steam. Huge rigs are coming in to start the drilling programme which should make us noticeable globally as a supplier of energy.
Zulu Lithium Project set to takes off
In Insiza District, Matabeleland South, a project on lithium and tantalum is set to commence, thanks to a financial facility secured from China. Zulu Lithium will change both Matabeleland South and Bulawayo, again buoying the GDPs of both provinces.
Hwange steams ahead
In Matabeleland North Province, Hwange steams ahead because of our coal reserves which continue to power our growth. That resource continues to guarantee us thermal power; its coking coal fires our furnaces, thus turning wheels of industry.
Goromonzi lithium, Makaha gold, Mt Meru Millers
Goromonzi lithium deposits in Mashonaland East have now secured a well-heeled Chinese investor who is already hard at work. Only end of last month, I was at Makaha in the same province where I commissioned a new gold mine. Last week on Wednesday, I commissioned Mount Meru Millers in rural Seke, again in Mashonaland East. This project manufactures edible oils. It is important not just in itself, but for what it portents by way of our goal of agro-driven rural industrialisation. Farmers, big and small, are set feed into the hungry milling plant through an outgrower programme which the investor is ready to sponsor. This initiative is sure to change the face of agriculture, as has happened in 15 other African countries where Mount Meru Millers operates.
More lithium at Shava, fertilisers
In Manicaland, vast deposits of lithium at Shava are soon to find suitors, given the global shift to clean energy and industry. Lithium is key to that shift, placing us in enviable space. Not too far from Shava, in the northeast direction, is Dorowa Phosphates Mine whose activities are now expanding in line with our goal to achieve national self-sufficiency in fertilisers for our agriculture.
Sable Chemicals near Kwekwe in the Midlands province is expanding in sympathy so our ammonium nitrate needs for agriculture are met locally. We are set to ride the bumpy road of disrupted global supply lines related to the war in Eastern Europe.
Significantly, our wheat target for this season is well in sight, likely making us self-sufficient for the first time in our country’s history.
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