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Delegates from various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and local officials toured the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in Mvuma last week, marking the conclusion of the 44th SADC Industrialization Week.
The visit showcased Africa’s largest steel plant which recently started producing steel billets at its plant and highlighted technological and innovative advancements within the region.
Kemin Benson Xu, Chairman and CEO of Tsingshan Zimbabwe, commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Second Republic for facilitating the establishment of the plant.
“Our company has the capacity to supply steel products to the entire SADC region and beyond, we must recognize the importance of the plant in regional industrialization effort as a qualified example of what has been discussed throughout the week about technology and innovation,” he said.
Delegates expressed palpable enthusiasm and admiration for the developments at the Dinson Iron and Steel Company plant as they toured the sprawling facility.
Mr Alain Liwanga, a delegate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, could hardly contain his amazement.
“The scale and sophistication of this operation are beyond impressive. The work being done here is truly remarkable, and it speaks volumes about Zimbabwe’s commitment to industrialization under the Second Republic. This plant is not just a testament to advanced engineering and technology, but also a clear indicator of the strategic vision and leadership driving Zimbabwe’s industrial agenda,” Liwanda said.
Local businessman and banker Dr. Nigel Chanakira was equally effusive in his praise.
“This is not just a milestone for Zimbabwe; it is a beacon for the entire SADC region. The emergence of Africa’s largest steel plant here signifies a new era of industrial capacity and economic potential. The enthusiasm we see here today is a reflection of the optimism and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Enormous industries will evolve from this project, creating jobs and generating power, SADC should recognize the investment opportunities in Zimbabwe,” Dr. Chanakira said.
Mr Willard Manungo, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination, and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, explained how the Dinson Steel Group of Companies is adding value to iron in line with the Second Republic’s beneficiation policy thrust.
“This project exemplifies our commitment to value addition and beneficiation. Key components of our industrial policy are focusing on value addition. We are not merely exporting raw materials but transforming them into higher-value products. This approach not only maximizes economic returns but also creates jobs, stimulates technological innovation, and fosters sustainable development,” Mr Manungo noted.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Wilfred Motsi, Project Manager at DISCO, detailed the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“We are building schools, and clinics, improving roads, and employing locals. This aligns with the Second Republic’s devolution thrust, which focuses on localizing development,” Motsi explained as the tour of DISCO provided a tangible demonstration of the potential for industrial growth in Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region.
As delegates departed, the consensus was clear: the technological and industrial advancements seen at the plant were a testament to the discussions and goals of the SADC Industrialization Week.