Mnangagwa Confines Gen Chiwenga to Industrial Work As Political Tension Rises in Zanu PF – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent – Kwekwe – While Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga praised recent industrial projects in the Midlands, critics say the government’s claims of economic revival mask deeper structural problems that continue to plague Zimbabwe’s path to an upper-middle-income economy.

During a recent tour of four firms, including Sable Chemicals and Zimchem, Chiwenga expressed satisfaction with ongoing revival efforts and stressed that companies should produce tangible results.

“Sable Chemicals shut down in 2022 for several reasons, but these issues have now been addressed. The Government has boldly intervened through the Mutapa (Investment) Fund to inject necessary funds,” he said.

However, analysts warn that such “interventions” merely paper over long-standing inefficiencies.

Sable Chemicals, for instance, is only expected to resume production by May or June, with local fertiliser output projected at 240,000 tonnes annually—still far below the 380,000 tonnes needed to meet domestic demand.

“The chief executive informed us that at the current pace, all work will be completed by the end of April, and we should expect the first bags of ammonium nitrate to be delivered by late May to early June,” Chiwenga said. Critics argue this slow turnaround could leave farmers short of vital inputs.

Even with the projected local fertiliser, prices are unlikely to drop substantially.

While management suggests bags could fall to between US$17 and US$22, current prices remain high compared to average farmer earnings.

At Global Union Alloy, Chiwenga noted that five furnaces are complete but still awaiting connection to the national grid.

“Once that is completed, the company will begin producing high carbon ferrochrome,” he said. Observers, however, point out that delays in power supply have stalled industrial output in Zimbabwe for years, raising doubts about the timeline.
Zimchem’s revival also faces hurdles despite receiving interest from Mozambique.

Chiwenga noted, “They are seeking financial assistance to meet this demand, and we will consider how we can support their capacity.” Critics argue that dependence on government funding highlights persistent gaps in private sector efficiency and investment readiness.

Even as Chiwenga praised potential exports and future production, analysts warn that Zimbabwe’s industrial revival is largely aspirational, with real progress still limited by bureaucratic delays, underfunding, and infrastructure gaps.

As one economist put it, “The rhetoric around industrial revival is positive, but the reality is slow production, unmet demand, and an economy still struggling to move beyond talk and boardroom promises.”

Zimbabweans are left questioning whether the touted projects will meaningfully boost the economy or simply serve as political optics ahead of ambitious 2030 growth targets.

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