Strengthening the Local Economy: Permanent Secretary Dr. T. U. Wushe Visits African Distillers In a proactive move to bolster the Zimbabwean economy, Dr. T. U. Wushe, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, recently visited African Distillers (Afdis) in Mt Hampden. The visit aimed to assess the performance of this liquor industry giant, which currently employs an impressive 433 individuals. Dr. Wushe's engagement with Afdis highlights the government's commitment to supporting local businesses and understanding their operational challenges and successes. Afdis is poised for significant growth, planning to invest over USD 10 million in a range of upcoming projects, which promises to enhance its capacity and further boost job creation in the region. During the visit, Afdis expressed its appreciation for government initiatives targeting smuggling and counterfeiting, as well as the recent ban on inappropriate alcoholic beverages, known locally as tumbwa. These measures have resulted in a notable increase in Afdis’ productivity and market stability. Dr. Wushe also addressed concerns regarding the company's dependence on imported glass for packaging its products, assuring them that the Ministry is actively pursuing solutions to mitigate this import bill. The visit is part of a broader strategy encapsulated in the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025), aiming to revitalize and expand the industrial sector while fostering sustainable economic development. https://x.com/Samwacho/status/1934947595073273997?t=D-PeeEicMsWnvQd4IdIdKw&s=19