BY ONLINE REPORTER

Zimbabwean opposition party Labour, Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) has urged the government to adopt an industrialization strategy to unlock the country’s economic potential.

According to LEAD President Linda Masarira, the southern African nation can become a trillion-dollar economy by leveraging agriculture as a foundation for beneficiation, agro-processing, and industrialization.

In a statement, Masarira criticized the current economic model, which exports raw agricultural produce and imports finished goods.

“It’s unacceptable that Zimbabwe exports cotton and imports second-hand clothes. It’s a betrayal of our potential when we export maize but import breakfast cereals. This cycle must end,” she said.

To achieve a trillion-dollar economy, LEAD advocates for a modern, diversified, and inclusive economy that prioritizes knowledge-based industries and smart manufacturing.

Masarira emphasized the need for investment in digital innovation, ICT, fintech, and artificial intelligence, as well as revitalizing local manufacturing and value chains.

The party also recommends establishing industrial parks and special economic zones, prioritizing STEM education and innovation hubs, and empowering youth through high-value skills and entrepreneurship.

Masarira stressed that these initiatives are crucial to developing a skilled workforce and driving economic growth.

Masarira emphasized that a trillion-dollar Zimbabwe is possible if the country industrializes, creates, and exports value.

“Zimbabwe must stop thinking raw. We must start thinking value,” she said.