Ngonidzashe Chiutsi

Business Correspondent

THE Municipality of Gwanda in Matabeleland South province is calling for investors to come and invest in the town and surrounding areas as it has vast investment opportunities.

In a statement Gwanda Town Clerk Mr Gilbert Mlilo said Gwanda presented a number of investment opportunities in the agro-processing, mineral processing, manufacturing and infrastructure development sectors.

“Gwanda has various opportunities in the infrastructure development sector and the municipality is seeking to partner with the private sector through the Public Private Partnership (PPPs) arrangements. Infrastructure development in Gwanda involves energy, road, water and sanitation, recreational facilities, small enterprises business infrastructure and land development,’’ said Mr Mlilo.

He highlighted that foreign investors were welcome to invest in Gwanda in sectors of their preferences provided they first seek the approval of the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA).

“Foreign investors are encouraged to enter into joint ventures with the local investors according to the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act. Investors also need to fulfil other sectorial requirements within the sector they intend to invest in,’’ he said.

The town clerk said Gwanda presented lucrative opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

He said the area had vast raw materials that could be tapped to produce finished products.

“Typical manufacturing industry could be in food and beverages manufacturing, oil processing and milling, furniture manufacturing, chemical and fertiliser manufacturing, cement products manufacturing,’’ said Mr Mlilo.

The town clerk said the Gwanda area was endowed with minerals that he called on investors to come and tap.

“Matabeleland South province is endowed with a vast range of mineral resources that include gold and limestone. Opportunities that exist include exploration, mining and markets in the downstream industries,’’ he said.

The official said the town has always strived to offer opportunities that suit every investor’s needs.