Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre, but the event comes at a time when many Zimbabweans continue to question the effectiveness of government economic policies amid ongoing industrial and economic challenges.

More than 1,000 delegates and 200 exhibitors are expected to attend the two-day conference, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and ZimTrade under the theme, “Accelerating Industrialisation Through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade.”

While government officials have described the conference as a major step towards economic transformation, critics argue that numerous policy launches, conferences and investment drives over the years have yielded limited results for ordinary citizens and struggling businesses.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Zhemu Soda said the conference is intended to drive the country’s industrialisation agenda.

“The conference seeks to accelerate the implementation of Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP 2), by unlocking investment, promoting value addition and beneficiation, strengthening regional value chains, advancing innovation, and expanding Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness,” he said.

Despite such assurances, concerns remain over persistent challenges facing manufacturers, including high operating costs, unreliable electricity supplies, foreign currency shortages and reduced industrial capacity utilisation.

Observers say the conference will be closely watched to determine whether it produces practical solutions or becomes another high-profile gathering characterised by ambitious promises without measurable outcomes.

A major feature of the event will be the launch of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Report, compiled by AEDS following research involving 2,300 stakeholders, including 2,071 companies and 229 representatives from government, academia and industry associations.

For many businesses and citizens, however, the true measure of success will not be the speeches delivered or reports unveiled, but whether the conference leads to meaningful industrial growth, job creation and economic improvements that have long been promised under President Mnangagwa’s administration.