Kudakwashe Chibvuri, ZiFM

Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu says government is intensifying efforts to promote local products and reduce reliance on imports that are draining billions of dollars from the economy and straining national budgets.

In a presentation on his behalf by the Ministry’s Acting Director, Ruvimbo Sandauke, at the Africa Economic Development Strategies Mid-Term Economic Review High-Level Policy Dialogue, Minister Ndlovu said government is set to introduce a Local Content Digital Platform aimed at empowering local manufacturers and producers while strengthening procurement systems.

The Minister said the platform will allow companies to upload details of their production processes, enabling authorities to assess and rate local content compliance.

The ratings will help the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe prioritise highly rated local products during tender processes.

“We are currently working through the Local Content Committee on what we call a Local Content Digital Platform. It is a new system that will help firms upload their production processes, and this will assist in local content rating,” said Minister Ndlovu.

“That information will then be shared with clients and procurement authorities so that when tenders are being awarded, priority is given to local producers who meet the necessary minimum requirements,” he added.

The initiative comes as government ramps up efforts to boost domestic production, support local industries and reduce the country’s growing import bill.