Sikhulekelani Moyo, sikhu.moyo@chronicle.co.zw
INDUSTRY and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi has called on Bulawayo businesses to shift towards a round-the-clock production model as the city works to reclaim its position as Zimbabwe’s industrial heartland.
Speaking at the Bulawayo Business Awards (BBA) held on Saturday, the Deputy Minister said the city’s entrepreneurs represent the resilient heartbeat of Bulawayo’s economic renaissance.
This year’s BBA were held under the theme: “Creating a Conducive Business Environment and Quality Standards for Industrial Competitiveness in a 24-Hour Economy”.
Deputy Minister Modi said Bulawayo was built as the industrial heartland of Zimbabwe, adding that time and production patterns must change.
“Bulawayo was built as the industrial heartland of Zimbabwe. To reclaim that mantle in a modern global market, we must change how we think about time and production,” said Deputy Minister Modi.
He said transitioning to a dynamic, 24-hour economy is the definitive path to maximising efficiency, accelerating growth and creating sustainable jobs.
Government’s mandate, he added, is to push progressive policy frameworks and streamline regulations through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate safely at any hour.
The Deputy Minister also stressed that competitiveness must be paired with self-sufficiency, adding that intentional localisation and strong domestic supply chains are critical strategic imperatives.
“By prioritising local procurement and nurturing indigenous suppliers, we retain value within our province, cushion ourselves against global supply shocks, and create real opportunities for our youth,” he said.
He challenged large corporates to open their supply chains to local SMEs.
“Mentor them, partner with them, and let us grow together,” he urged.
Congratulating nominees and winners, he praised their courage to innovate and refusal to quit, saying that it is what keeps Bulawayo moving forward.
He closed by calling on business leaders to leave with a shared vision: to break traditional barriers, to champion local content, and to work hand in hand to restore Bulawayo as a beacon of industrial pride.
The Bulawayo Business Awards recognise enterprises driving industrial growth and quality standards as Zimbabwe pushes for Vision 2030 targets.
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