*in case you missed inaugural-annual-competitiveness-summit-held-in-bulawayo* _Business News on MTBN by Maxwell Haitengeswinyika Teedzai_ *President Mnangagwa calls for enhanced competitiveness in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe* | Fri Feb 21, 2025 On February 20, 2025, the vibrant city of Bulawayo played host to the Inaugural Annual Competitiveness Summit, where HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa accompanied by Vice President Rtd General Dr CDGN Chiwenga, delivered a compelling keynote address aimed at reinforcing the Great Republic of Zimbabwe's global competitiveness. Under the theme “Building Sustainability Towards Enhanced Productivity and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe,” this Summit marks a pivotal moment in the Second Republic’s drive to reshape the Nation's economic landscape. President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of this Summit as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, including SMEs—Small and Medium Enterprises, women, and youth. He called for broad engagement across sectors, urging all participants to contribute to the national vision of a “Prosperous and Empowered UMIS — Upper-Middle-Income-Society by 2030.” The President announced the establishment of the National Competitiveness Commission, tasked with fostering a competitive environment for Zimbabwean businesses. This institution is crucial for examining the country’s economic framework to enhance both local and international competitiveness. In the face of global challenges, the Commission is expected to facilitate strategic discussions that align the Great Republic of Zimbabwe with international best practices. As the first edition of the National Development Strategy approaches its conclusion in 2025, President Mnangagwa revealed that the successor, the NDS2–National Development Strategy-2, will prioritize fiscal discipline and macro-economic stability. This strategy aims to boost the manufacturing sector’s value from US$4 billion to over US$10 billion by focusing on value chains across various industries. The President commended the National Competitiveness Commission for its initiative to produce the annual Zimbabwe Competitiveness Report, which will inform policy interventions and contribute to improving the Ease of Doing Business in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe. This report aims to ensure that Zimbabwean products and services meet both local and international quality standards, ultimately enhancing market competitiveness. Addressing the audience, President Mnangagwa urged stakeholders to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the ACFTAA—African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, reminding them of the importance of maintaining competitive products and services in this new trading environment. He reiterated his Second Republic's commitment to addressing barriers to competitiveness and fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation and investment. The Summit serves not only as a platform for discussion but also as a call to action for all sectors to embrace the competitiveness agenda. The President highlighted the abundant natural resources and skilled workforce as foundational elements for enhancing the Great Republic of Zimbabwe's competitiveness and sustainable development. As the Summit convenes, the collective Vision for a prosperous future is clear: collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to navigate the complexities of global trade and economic growth. The President's closing remarks expressed hope that the Summit's recommendations would pave the way for sustainable reforms, attracting both local and foreign investment while boosting confidence in the economy. With the Summit officially opened, the stage is set for fruitful deliberations that promise to shape the future of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape. #competitivenesssummit #thegreatrepublicofzimbabwe #economicgrowth #edmnangagwa #uppermiddleincomesociety