President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Government’s shift toward value addition and mineral beneficiation, declaring that Zimbabwe will no longer remain a supplier of raw minerals but will instead focus on processing and industrialisation to drive export-led growth.
Speaking at the 2026 Exporters Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Conference and Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, the President said his administration is prioritising local processing, downstream industry development and technology transfer across the mining value chain.
“In the mining sector, our policy is unequivocal. Zimbabwe is no longer satisfied with being a supplier of raw minerals. Under my Administration, focus is on local processing, diversifying downstream industries, technology transfer and stronger linkages across the economy,” he said.
The President noted that strengthening beneficiation and domestic industrial capacity is central to building a competitive export economy anchored on local production.
He said the conference theme, “Rooted Locally, Growing Globally,” reflects Zimbabwe’s broader economic strategy aimed at reviving productivity, manufacturing and industrial growth.
“It aligns with National Development Strategy 2 goals of economic competitiveness that are anchored on what we grow, produce, value add, beneficiate and process here at home. This thrust is indeed central to a stronger export-led growth,” Mnangagwa said.
Mining and Agriculture Key to Export Expansion
Beyond mining, the President highlighted agriculture as another strategic pillar, saying Zimbabwe is progressively moving from exporting primarily raw produce toward a diversified basket of higher-quality, processed products targeting international markets.
Government officials say the combined push in mining beneficiation and agro-processing is designed to retain more value within the domestic economy, create jobs and stimulate industrial growth.
Exports Record Strong Growth
Zimbabwe’s export performance has shown significant improvement, with national exports reaching US$9.7 billion between January and December 2025, representing a 30 percent increase from the US$7.43 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
Mining continues to account for the largest share of export earnings, driven by gold, platinum group metals, lithium and chrome, sectors where authorities are increasingly encouraging local refining and processing investments.
Analysts say the success of the beneficiation agenda will depend on infrastructure development, reliable energy supply and sustained investor confidence, but note that rising export figures indicate growing momentum toward an export-oriented industrial economy.
