By ZiMining Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS will convene at the King Solomon Hotel in Kwekwe on December 12-13 for the Iron and Steel Indaba, organised by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with the Engineering Iron and Steel Association of Zimbabwe (EISAZ) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), to strategise the revival of Zimbabwe’s iron and steel industry.
Under the theme “Leveraging the Resurgence of the Iron and Steel Industry,” the event seeks to provide essential strategies to rejuvenate a sector that has long been considered a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s industrial strength.
The indaba aims to align the industry’s growth with the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-205). This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to revitalising the sector, creating jobs, and enhancing economic development.
A platform for strategic deliberation
The Indaba will bring together approximately 200 participants, such as government officials, iron and steel producers, mining companies, engineering firms, financial institutions, and academic representatives. The event is designed to promote discussions about the main challenges and opportunities within the industry, with specific objectives to:
• Assess the current condition of the iron and steel sector.
• Explore potential partnerships between emerging and established companies, particularly Dinson Iron and Steel Company and ZISCO Steel.
• Look into investment opportunities and examine different financing models.
• Propose solutions to challenges like infrastructure deficiencies, funding problems, and regulatory hurdles.
• Develop a comprehensive plan to encourage sustainable growth in the sector.
Event highlights
The two-day conference will feature:
• Panel discussions: Industry experts will delve into the roles of Dinson and ZISCO in promoting sector growth, the government policies that bolster the industry, and emerging opportunities in both regional and international markets.
• Technical sessions: Delegates will investigate sustainable mining practices, the application of advanced technologies, and the quality standards necessary for competing in global markets.
• Networking opportunities: Stakeholders will have the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and build partnerships during designated networking sessions.
• ZISCO plant tour: Participants will visit the ZISCO Steel facility, gaining firsthand insights into the initiatives aimed at restoring production capabilities.
Objectives aligned with national growth Goals
The Indaba is closely linked to Zimbabwe’s broader objectives for industrial development. By uniting emerging players like Dinson Iron and Steel Company with established firms such as ZISCO Steel, the event aims to nurture collaborations that can stimulate growth throughout the industry. Furthermore, the conference will address structural issues that hinder progress and offer a platform for aligning stakeholder initiatives with national policy frameworks.
Expected outcomes
The anticipated outcomes from the Indaba include:
• A clear strategic roadmap for revitalizing the industry.
• Strengthened public-private partnerships.
• Enhanced investment strategies that prioritise job creation and economic resilience.
• Policies designed to promote local content and increase value in production.
• Insights into sustainable development practices to ensure environmental compatibility.
Relevance of the sector
Zimbabwe’s iron and steel industry has historically been a vital part of the country’s economy. The decline of ZISCO Steel, once the largest integrated steelworks in Africa, had a profound effect on local manufacturing and employment opportunities. Revitalising this sector, supported by strategic partnerships and advanced technologies, is seen as essential for promoting the country’s industrialisation and positioning Zimbabwe as a manufacturing hub in southern Africa.
The Iron and Steel Indaba represents a significant milestone for stakeholders committed to reviving the industry.
