By Godfrey M. Bonda
MUTOKO – President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on Thursday commissioned the Mutoko Bioeconomy Industrial Park, describing the state-of-the-art facility as a flagship Education 5.0 project that will accelerate value addition, create jobs and advance rural industrialisation.
The industrial park comprises a biodiesel plant, a soap manufacturing facility and a cooking oil refinery, translating research and innovation from Zimbabwe’s universities and tertiary institutions into commercially viable products.
Speaking after unveiling a commemorative plaque to officially open the facility, President Mnangagwa said the project marks another milestone in Government’s drive to promote value addition and beneficiation of the country’s biological resources while strengthening domestic industrial capacity.
“By focusing on value addition and beneficiation of our local biological resources, we are creating sustainable wealth for our communities, enhancing national food security, generating employment opportunities for our youth and driving inclusive economic growth across the nation,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President said the industrial park will contribute to import substitution, increase local production and improve Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to accelerating rural industrialisation through innovation and heritage-based development, saying the Second Republic remains focused on ensuring that “no one and no place is left behind.”
The commissioning of the Mutoko Bioeconomy Industrial Park forms part of Government’s broader industrialisation strategy under Vision 2030, which seeks to transform research and innovation into productive enterprises that create employment, stimulate local economies and drive sustainable national development.
