By Aldridge Dzvene
KADOMA – Government has inducted trustees for 15 Community Economic Empowerment Trust Boards and is moving to establish 46 more across the country in a major step towards ensuring local communities become direct beneficiaries of Zimbabwe’s natural resource wealth while accelerating inclusive economic development.
The induction workshop, convened by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Kadoma, marks a significant milestone in Government’s drive to operationalise Community Economic Empowerment Trusts as vehicles for local enterprise development, wealth creation and community participation in the national economy.
Addressing the trustees, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, said Government has introduced a framework requiring qualifying mining investments to contribute at least two percent of their gross annual revenue towards community development through the Trusts.
“Communities should not be viewed as charity cases. They are rightful stakeholders in the resources found within their areas and deserve to benefit from them. These Trusts provide a structured platform for communities to participate in economic development, finance local projects and improve livelihoods through the responsible utilisation of their natural resources.”
The establishment of the Trusts reflects Government’s growing emphasis on ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and locally anchored. Rather than allowing mineral extraction to generate benefits that remain concentrated at national level, the initiative seeks to transform mining activities into catalysts for rural industrialisation, infrastructure development, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
The model also strengthens Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda by giving communities greater influence over development priorities and the utilisation of resources generated within their localities. By institutionalising community participation, Government is laying the foundation for development that is driven from the grassroots upwards.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, said collaboration across Government ministries will be essential in ensuring the Trusts deliver meaningful socio-economic transformation.
“Government is embracing a whole-of-government approach. By working together, we can empower communities, strengthen livelihoods and ensure no one and no place is left behind.”
The emphasis on a whole-of-government approach highlights the recognition that community empowerment extends beyond mining and requires coordinated interventions in agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, entrepreneurship and small business development.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said the Trusts complement Government’s decentralisation programme by strengthening local governance and enabling communities to become active participants in development.
“We view these Trusts as critical instruments for deepening devolution and strengthening local governance. We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure they function effectively.”
Traditional leaders have also pledged to champion the initiative at community level. Chief Chikwaka described the programme as a landmark intervention that places ownership of development into the hands of local people.
“We thank President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for ensuring that communities benefit from the resources found within their own areas. As traditional leaders, we will champion this programme and work with our communities to establish viable enterprises.”
As Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030, the Community Economic Empowerment Trusts are expected to become strategic instruments for translating the country’s abundant natural resources into lasting socio-economic benefits, ensuring that development reaches communities where those resources originate while fostering inclusive and sustainable national growth.
