PHILLIMON MHLANGA IN VICTORIA FALLS
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored local businesses to adopt technological solutions in their strategies for them to survive ‘turbulent’ times.
In his speech read by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sekai Nzenza at the CEO Africa Roundtable in the resort town of Victoria Falls, President Mnangagwa said deploying digital solutions by companies was in harmony with the government’s vision of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and the successful implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“…It would be a misnomer for Zimbabwe to ignore technological advancements currently taking center stage in the world of business,” Mnangagwa said.
He added: “This edition of the (CEO Africa Roundtable) has come at a time when technological changes in the midst of the deadly corona pandemic are transforming the global business like never before, increasing competition, shifting customers’ tastes and requirements.
“The globalisation of markets and the changing demographic trends are drastically altering how companies operate in almost every region and industry in the world.
“This conference will therefore assist CEOs and senior executives in different sectors of the economy to harness converging technologies to create inclusive, smart and modern business leaders who are prepared for the future.
“I therefore urge CEOs here present to be cognizant of the fact that the fourth industrial revolution is here to stay and they ought to find sound strategies that arm them with the baseline for winning in turbulent times.
Doing this will be in harmony with the government’s vision of attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030 and the successful implementation of the NDS1.”
Mnangagwa said government was fully aware of the critical role that the private sector plays in driving the economic development of any country.
“In Zimbabwe, both the private and public sector players have a role to play in championing economic development.
“Without concerted efforts and doing away with the silo mentality approach in the two sectors, plans to attain an upper middle income economy by 2030 will be hampered.
“In light of this, my government; through the NDS1 (2021-2025 Macro-Economic Framework) is aimed at achieving economic transformation through the creation of a thriving private sector led, open and competitive economy with sound macro-economic policies anchored on fiscal discipline, monetary and financial sector stability, and a business friendly environment which promotes both foreign and domestic investments.”
