By ZiMining Reporter
ZIMBABWE must prioritise manufacturing over theoretical expertise to drive economic growth, former Ambassador to China Chris Mutsvangwa has said, urging the country’s intellectuals to focus on production.
Speaking in Kwekwe, Mutsvangwa stressed the need for Zimbabweans to move beyond abstract thinking and take a hands-on approach to industrial development.
He said the country should follow China’s example by turning ideas into tangible products that contribute to economic progress.
“We want to focus on Zimbabwe as a manufacturer, not just a nation of thinkers. Kufunga hakuna mubairo (there is no reward in thinking) if no products are being made,” he said.
Mutsvangwa praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s innovation hubs, which aim to bridge the gap between research and industrial production.
He said these hubs should complement, not replace, those already in the manufacturing sector.
“What innovation hubs hatch must go to industry because you are the ones with production machinery. Thinking about a product and producing it are two entirely different things,” he said.
The former diplomat pointed to China’s Hon Hing, a leading telecommunications manufacturer, as an example Zimbabwe should emulate.
He noted that China’s economic rise was built on a strong production base, with industries translating ideas into market-ready goods. Zimbabwe, he said, must adopt a similar approach to become a competitive player in global markets.
Zimbabwe’s industrial sector has struggled in recent years due to economic instability, lack of investment, and outdated machinery. However, the government has been pushing for industrial revival through policies that support local manufacturing and value addition.
Mutsvangwa’s remarks align with these efforts, underscoring the importance of aligning education, innovation, and industry to drive sustainable economic development.
With Zimbabwe positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s mining and manufacturing sectors, calls for increased production are expected to gain momentum.
