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Innocent Mujeri

Herald Correspondent

As the ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference kicks off in Bulawayo, there is no doubt that the event will be significant, not only for the ruling party, but also for the city’s business community.

While the focus of the conference may be on internal party matters, the ripple effects on the local economy, particularly in a city that has long been regarded as the industrial hub of Zimbabwe, cannot be overlooked.

Conferences of this magnitude attract large numbers of delegates, stakeholders, and media representatives, all of whom will need accommodation, food, transportation, and various services.

Bulawayo’s hospitality sector stands to benefit immensely from this influx of visitors. Hotels and lodges, many of which have seen sluggish business in recent times, will experience an uptick in bookings, providing a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry.

Additionally, restaurants, food vendors, and catering businesses are likely to witness a surge in demand, as conference delegates seek convenient and accessible dining options throughout the conference. This increased activity within the tourism and hospitality sector will filter down to other related businesses, including those providing transport, event planning, and security services.

For the city of Bulawayo, hosting the ZANU PF conference is an opportunity to showcase its potential for investment and development.

Long regarded as the industrial backbone of Zimbabwe, the city has faced challenges in recent years, with economic downturns and industrial closures.

However, the conference offers a chance for Bulawayo to highlight its resilience and untapped potential.

The presence of high-ranking Government officials, local and international dignitaries, and representatives from various sectors of the economy creates a platform for Bulawayo to pitch itself as a prime location for business and industrial revitalisation.

Key stakeholders in the city, including the Bulawayo City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and local entrepreneurs, can use this occasion to network with potential investors and showcase ongoing projects that require support or expansion.

Many local businesses that have been struggling due to the economic challenges and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could experience a resurgence in trade. Retailers, wholesalers, and other commercial outlets are likely to see increased foot traffic as conference delegates shop for various necessities, souvenirs, and personal items.

Moreover, local manufacturers and service providers stand to gain from this opportunity by networking and securing potential partnerships with key industry players.

The exposure could lead to long-term benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bulawayo, some of which may have been previously overlooked or underutilised in broader economic discussions.

While the ZANU PF conference is primarily a political gathering, the decisions made there could have far-reaching economic implications.

With discussions likely to revolve around national development, economic growth, and devolution, policies could be formulated that directly benefit Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region at large. For instance, Government-led initiatives that promote industrial revitalisation, infrastructure development, and investment in local economies could significantly impact the future of Bulawayo’s business community.

The push for devolution, which aims to give local authorities more control over their development agendas, could see Bulawayo receiving increased Government attention and resources to address its unique challenges.

The conference also presents an opportunity for dialogue on how Bulawayo can contribute to the broader national development agenda.

As the country focuses on achieving Vision 2030 – which aims to make Zimbabwe an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 – there is a growing recognition that no region should be left behind.

Bulawayo, with its rich industrial history and strategic location, has a critical role to play in achieving this vision.

By hosting the ZANU PF conference, the city positions itself as a central player in national discussions on economic growth, infrastructure development, and industrialisation.

The focus should be on how Bulawayo can capitalise on this moment to secure tangible development projects and attract long-term investments that will drive economic growth beyond the conference.

While the ZANU PF conference is certainly an important moment for the ruling party to strategise and discuss its policies, the benefits extend far beyond politics.

For Bulawayo, the conference represents a unique opportunity to stimulate local businesses, attract investment, and reinforce its status as a key economic player in Zimbabwe.

As the event unfolds, it is essential for the local business community to seize this moment, network, and engage with decision-makers to ensure that the economic momentum created by the conference translates into lasting growth and development for the city.

In the end, both ZANU PF and Bulawayo’s business sector stand to emerge stronger from this partnership, making the conference a win-win for all stakeholders involved.