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Mnangagwa Confines Gen Chiwenga to Industrial Work As Political Tension Rises in Zanu PF<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By A Correspondent \u2013 Kwekwe \u2013 While Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga praised recent industrial projects in the Midlands, critics say the government\u2019s claims of economic revival mask deeper structural problems that continue to plague Zimbabwe\u2019s path to an upper-middle-income economy.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSable 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, analysts warn that such \u201cinterventions\u201d merely paper over long-standing inefficiencies.<\/p>\n
Sable Chemicals, for instance, is only expected to resume production by May or June, with local fertiliser output projected at 240,000 tonnes annually\u2014still far below the 380,000 tonnes needed to meet domestic demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Chiwenga said. Critics argue this slow turnaround could leave farmers short of vital inputs.<\/p>\n
Even with the projected local fertiliser, prices are unlikely to drop substantially.<\/p>\n
While management suggests bags could fall to between US$17 and US$22, current prices remain high compared to average farmer earnings.<\/p>\n
At Global Union Alloy, Chiwenga noted that five furnaces are complete but still awaiting connection to the national grid.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce that is completed, the company will begin producing high carbon ferrochrome,\u201d 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\u2019s revival also faces hurdles despite receiving interest from Mozambique.<\/p>\n
Chiwenga noted, \u201cThey are seeking financial assistance to meet this demand, and we will consider how we can support their capacity.\u201d Critics argue that dependence on government funding highlights persistent gaps in private sector efficiency and investment readiness.<\/p>\n
Even as Chiwenga praised potential exports and future production, analysts warn that Zimbabwe\u2019s industrial revival is largely aspirational, with real progress still limited by bureaucratic delays, underfunding, and infrastructure gaps.<\/p>\n
As one economist put it, \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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