Harare, Zimbabwe – The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dr. Zhemu Soda, has called on the media to serve as strategic national partners in advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, as the country prepares for the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026.

Speaking at the Media Awareness Day held at the Harare International Conference Centre today, Dr. Soda declared that the media must go beyond reporting proceedings to actively shape the national narrative around economic transformation.

“This is not simply a press briefing; it is a formal mobilisation of the media as a strategic national partner in advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda as we journey towards realising Vision 2030,” said Dr. Soda.

The three-day conference, scheduled to run from 23-24 July 2026, is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates and 200 exhibitors from regional economic communities, government institutions, the private sector, SMEs, development partners, and academia.

A key highlight will be the official launch of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Report, developed through extensive nationwide research involving more than 2,300 stakeholders, including 2,071 firms and 229 respondents from government, academia, research institutions, and development partners.

The Minister emphasised that industrialisation requires “sound policies, strategic investments, technological advancement, productive industries, competitive enterprises and an informed citizenry,” adding that “above all, it requires effective communication.”

“The media is the bridge between policy and the people. It transforms national policy into public understanding, investor confidence and informed national dialogue,” Dr. Soda stated. “Your reporting influences public perceptions, shapes investment decisions and strengthens confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic future.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is scheduled to officially open the conference tomorrow, which will feature high-level policy dialogues, technical sessions, business engagements, and a national industrial exhibition showcasing the country’s industrial capabilities.

The Minister challenged media practitioners to champion the “Made in Zimbabwe” campaign in alignment with the Local Content Strategy (2026-2035), highlighting opportunities emerging from regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“As communicators, you are not merely observers of development; you are partners in this development,” Dr. Soda said, urging journalists to help “tell the Zimbabwe story in all aspects, including industrialisation.”

The conference, a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS), and ZimTrade, seeks to accelerate implementation of Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP 2).