ACHIEVINGIEVING Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, a national development plan aiming to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, will position Zimbabwe as a more competitive player in regional and international trade, attracting vital investment and boosting exports.
In this case, local authorities, which play a vital role in delivering infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water supply, and sanitation systems, delivering essential services like education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes, become key drivers of progress towards Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 aspirations.
Their ability to localise national goals and address specific community needs will be crucial for achieving a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Zimbabwe.
With Zimbabwe geared towards upper-middle-income status by 2030, local authorities now have a crucial opportunity to capitalise on the upcoming SADC Summit and the 7th annual SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) which will run from July 28 to August 2, 2024.
It is now essential, if not pragmatic, to raise this issue given that the clock is ticking and Zimbabwe's aspirational aim to become an upper middle-class society has less than six years to be accomplished.
It is hoped that the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week being hosted by Zimbabwe under the theme "Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC" will inspire greater cooperation, coordination, consensus-building, and better alignment between the national and local governments, which will be ideal for achieving the objectives of Vision 2030, in the time frame left.
The annual event serves as the largest public-private platform and consultative body for industrialisation in the SADC region.
This annual gathering brings together SADC Member States, the private sector, international partners, policymakers, researchers, SMEs, financial institutions, and civil society.
Participants share experiences, explore opportunities, and collaborate on strategies to drive industrialisation and economic transformation.
Businesses can network with regional partners, learn about industry trends, and explore investment opportunities.
Policymakers can share best practices and develop regional industrialisation strategies.
All attendees will gain valuable insights on fostering economic transformation.
About 150 companies from the SADC region are expected to participate in the SADC Industrialisation Week, presenting a perfect opportunity for local authorities in Zimbabwe to leverage on innovation and contribute to achieving Vision 2030 goals.
Speaking on the sidelines of a three-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently in Bulawayo, director for strategic policy planning, monitoring, and evaluation in the ministry, Mrs Elina Karwi urged local authorities to capitalise on the SADC Industrialisation Week by exploring opportunities to market their areas of jurisdiction.
She said the event presents enormous opportunities for local authorities, particularly given the "Call to Action -- No Compromise to Service Delivery" blueprint launched by President Mnangagwa last year.
"Our local authorities must think outside the box and grab this huge opportunity when the country hosts the SADC Industrialisation Week. If there is a need for local authorities to be slotted in, we will not hesitate to engage the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
"Local authorities should be present and take advantage of the opportunities that will be available. With many countries participating, there will be exhibitions showcasing regional opportunities. We want our local authorities to be involved and learn about these opportunities," she said.
Local authorities can participate in exhibitions and conferences to showcase their jurisdictions as attractive investment destinations.
They can highlight resources, infrastructure, and investment incentives to attract regional businesses aligned with Vision 2030's economic diversification goals.
Local authorities can also use the SADC Industrialisation Week as a platform to connect with regional businesses and potential investors.
This can lead to partnerships, joint ventures, and increased investment in local industries, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
The Urban Councils' Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) secretary general, Mr Livison Mutekede, said the event was also an opportunity for local authorities to incorporate regional development goals into their programming and planning.
"This is an opportunity for local authorities to incorporate the region's development goals into their programming and planning.
"We are supporting our members to fully understand the region's expectations of them as development facilitators.
"As development agents, local authorities also have a role to play in promoting regional trade and development," Mr Mutekede said.
He said local authorities have a crucial role in ensuring industrialisation begins at the grassroots level.
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"With existing supportive legislation, they are uniquely positioned to lead this effort.
"It is essential that they seize this opportunity and actively participate in the SADC Industrialisation Week," he said.
As development agents, local authorities have a unique opportunity to leverage on innovation in line with the annual event's theme.
By establishing or supporting innovation hubs and incubators, local authorities can provide start-ups and entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and co-working spaces they need to thrive.
This fosters a culture of innovation within their jurisdictions and helps develop businesses aligned with Vision 2030's economic priorities, propelling Zimbabwe towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Local authorities can develop and offer training programmes focused on emerging technologies and skills needed for the jobs of the future.
This ensures a skilled workforce ready to contribute to an innovative and technology-driven economy as envisioned in Vision 2030.
Local authorities can also partner with private companies and research institutions to promote research and development in critical sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
This fosters innovation that can address local challenges and support sustainable economic growth, aligning with Vision 2030's goals.
