2026 Budget Should Prioritise Revival of City’s Industry-Ncube

By Shingirai Vambe

Bulawayo- The 2026 National Budget should prioritise the revival of Bulawayo’s industrial base, leveraging on strategic investment to restore the city as the nation’s premier manufacturing hub, an official said.

Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said while addressing delegates at the ongoing 2026 National Pre Budget-Seminar being held in the second largest city.

The seminar is being held under the theme “Mapping a Robust 2026 National Budget for Inclusive Growth”.

It brought together parliamentarians, economists, government officials, and development partners to deliberate on fiscal priorities ahead of the presentation of the 2026 National Budget later this year.

Ncube said the city still holds immense potential for industrial recovery despite years of factory closures and reduced operations.

“Bulawayo’s legacy as Zimbabwe’s industrial capital remains etched in our identity, yet we face the reality of a manufacturing sector that has experienced significant contraction.

“Many of our industrial facilities have reduced operations or temporarily closed, leaving skilled workers eager for opportunities to contribute to national productivity,” she said.

The minister said Bulawayo still retained strong fundamentals that made it an ideal centre for industrial rejuvenation.

“Our fundamentals remain exceptionally strong. We possess skilled human capital, recoverable infrastructure, and an unmatched strategic location for industrial and commercial activity.

“Therefore, we respectfully submit that this year’s national budget presents a critical opportunity to prioritise the industrial revival of Bulawayo through targeted allocations, incentive packages, and infrastructure rehabilitation programmes,” minister Ncube said.

She added that investing in city`s industrial recovery would not only benefit the province but also significantly boost national Gross Domestic Product(GDP) growth and employment creation.

“Such an investment will not only restore our provincial economy but also contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

Minister Ncube also commended Parliament for consistently selecting Bulawayo as the venue for national pre-budget deliberations, saying it reflected confidence in the city and its role in country`s transformation agenda.

“It is always a pleasure to host such an important national gathering. Parliament’s continued choice of Bulawayo as the venue for this crucial national dialogue demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development and reinforces that every province has a vital role in the country’s transformation journey,” the minister said.

Ncube also said Bulawayo’s tourism potential presented a second economic pillar that deserved strategic budgetary attention.

“Zimbabwe’s recent recognition as the 2025 world’s best tourist destination brings particular pride to our province.

“Several of the attractions that earned our country this prestigious accolade are here in Bulawayo province from the majestic Matobo Hills which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to our rich cultural heritage sites and wildlife sanctuaries.

“Our province possesses extraordinary tourism assets which, with strategic investment, can become a vital economic pillar supporting both local livelihoods and national revenue generation,” she said.