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Nelson Gahadza

Senior Business Reporter

THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) will hold its annual congress next week,  with focus expected to fall on exploring ways to align and reach consensus on complementary business and policy imperatives needed to drive industrial and transformative growth.

The congress will take place from November 10 to 12, 2021 under the theme “Upper Middle Income Industry for an Upper Middle Income economy.” The congress will be held against the backdrop of challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among the specific objectives the congress aims to achieve are establishing an annual high level engagement and stock take meeting between the Government and the manufacturing industry to discuss developments in the economy in general.

CZI also aims to obtain convergence with policy makers and frame the industry agenda around the national development frameworks and targets.

The congress further aims to strike consensus on the policy and business imperatives to achieve the aspirations of industry and for industry to achieve the transformation that will deliver economic performance which can make Vision 2030 a reality.

The congress will also explore ways to align policy and institutional collaboration throughout the implementation of National Development Strategy (NDS 1) as well as provide high quality business content through insights and analysis on topical issues for business leaders.

According to CZI, the congress will entail dialogue between and among stakeholders, a symposium and direct engagements and co-exploring business and policy intervention areas to align and harmonise the economy to achieve growth.

“Credible research and analysis will be the basis of the symposium — dialogue and presentations of plenary sessions on business relevant topics will be done by international and local speakers,” CZI said.

Vice President and Health and Child Care Minister Dr Constantino Chiwenga will headline the congress among various other Cabinet Ministers.

Key Ministers set to attend include Industry and Commerce Minister Sekai Nzenza, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, Energy and Power Development Minister Soda Zhemu, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Resettlement Minister  Anxious Masuka  and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava as well as Reserve Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya.

Notably, the congress also seeks to promote and celebrate active and increased performance of Women in Industry (WIN).

“We believe that empowerment of women is important for development. As the biggest membership organisation in the country, it is imperative for CZI to take a more active and leading role in promoting women with a special focus on Women in Industry Leadership,” CZI said.