Local industry on the rebound

By a Correspondent
THE Ministry of Industry and commerce says the local industry is on the rebound following a jump in locally produced goods shelf occupancy from 55 percent in 2021 to 80 percent in 2022.
Giving an overview of 2022, the ministry said the jump in shelf occupancy of local products was a result of increased capacity utilisation.
“Capacity utilisation has increased from 47 percent in 2020 to 66 percent, which is a clear indicator that the manufacturing sector is on the rebound…Further evidence of improved capacity utilisation is the increase in shelf-space occupancy of domestic products from 55 percent in 2021 to the current 80 percent,” said the ministry.
The Ministry said local industry survived Covid-19 shocks and managed to attract investment.
“There are industrialisation projects that were established in marginalised locations where resource endowments are located, including Mount Meru in Mahusekwa, G&W Industrial Minerals in Rushinga, and Agri-Value Chain in Chegutu, Bata Shoe Company in Midlands, Beitbridge Juicing Company in Matabeleland South, among others,” said the ministry.
“This agenda is being attained through domestication of quick-wins and low-hanging value chains, which are agro-based such as sugar, dairy, leather, cotton, and soya, pharmaceutical, iron and steel, bus and truck, and plastic waste.”
President Mnangagwa in September commissioned the ZimPhos fertiliser blender and the Ministry said it is working on ensuring the availability of fertilisers for local farmers while also looking at the export market.
“The blender is already producing NPK Basal blend D from the raw materials available. To further highlight the commitment to foster industry capacitation, ZimPhos recently received a fertiliser granulation plant, which is awaiting installation, and production is expected in early 2023. In support of the President’s vision, the ministry is implementing policies and actions that are critical in promoting consumer protection, standards and quality assurance, and export development,” said the Ministry.