Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, create decent jobs and attract investment took centre stage at the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) Global Summit held in Victoria Falls from September 21 to 25.
The summit brought together Government, labour, business, investors, development partners and other international stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening Zimbabwe’s economy through investment, industrialisation and value addition.
Held under the theme “Inclusive Growth, Decent Work, Beneficiation and Investment Promotion,” the summit focused on economic growth, employment creation, investment and industrial development.
The discussions also looked at how Zimbabwe can ensure that economic growth creates opportunities for ordinary citizens while supporting businesses and encouraging investment.
The TNF provides a platform where Government, employers and workers can engage on economic, labour and social issues. Through this dialogue, the forum seeks to connect economic development with job creation, skills development, industrialisation and social stability.
The summit was officially opened on Wednesday by Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, who said economic growth should result in better living conditions and more opportunities for Zimbabweans.
“At the heart of this development agenda is decent work. Economic growth must ultimately translate into improved livelihoods and greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
Mohadi said Government was working to make it easier for businesses to move into the formal economy, improve productivity and create decent and sustainable jobs. He also stressed the need for an environment where enterprises can grow and contribute to employment creation.
He said social dialogue remained important in building trust between Government, employers and workers and in developing policies that take into account the interests of different groups.
The Vice President also highlighted the need for women to have greater opportunities to participate in economic activities.
He said development policies should take women’s participation into account, noting that greater involvement of women in the economy could benefit families, businesses and communities.
“When women can participate fully in the economy, households, enterprises, and communities are better placed to prosper,” he said.
The summit also placed emphasis on beneficiation and industrialisation, with discussions focusing on how Zimbabwe can get more value from its natural resources instead of relying mainly on the export of raw materials.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has also stressed that Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth should contribute to decent jobs, productive industries and higher-value exports, with skills development and employment forming part of the beneficiation process.
Investment was another major focus of the summit, with stakeholders discussing ways of attracting investment that can contribute to industrial development and employment creation.
The summit also featured discussions on digitalisation, green jobs, skills development, women and youth, as well as the future of work.
The TNF Global Summit comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The discussions therefore sought to link investment and economic growth with practical opportunities for businesses, workers and
