The growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at Siyaso and Gazaland is increasingly being driven by Zimbabwe’s expanding industrial base, with Manhize Dinson Iron and Steel Company emerging as a key catalyst for local economic development.
Speaking during a tour of Manhize Dinson Iron and Steel on Thursday, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa said the company’s steel production is now significantly benefiting small and medium enterprises, particularly those operating in the country’s major manufacturing hubs.
She noted that the availability of locally produced steel has eased long-standing cost pressures on SMEs. “For years, our small and medium enterprises were importing steel from South Africa, which was expensive and reduced their profits. Now that steel is being produced here at home, our SMEs can pocket more money because the steel is cheaper,” said Hon. Mutsvangwa.
Siyaso and Gazaland are home to hundreds of metal fabricators, welders, artisans and small manufacturers who depend heavily on steel for their daily operations. The presence of Manhize Dinson Iron and Steel Company has shortened supply chains, reduced production costs and enabled these enterprises to increase output while improving product quality.
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Hon. Mutsvangwa also highlighted the growing contribution of SMEs to the national economy, attributing it to increased local production and value addition. “It is not surprising that about 60 percent of the country’s GDP is now coming from small and medium enterprises, because they are producing their own goods using local materials,” she said.
With access to affordable, locally produced steel, SMEs at Siyaso and Gazaland are no longer limited to low-value production. According to the minister, local producers now have the capacity to manufacture goods that can compete beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. “People from Gazaland and Siyaso can now produce materials and products that can be sold globally because of Dinson Iron and Steel,” she added.
She also applauded the company for investing in its own electricity generation infrastructure, explaining that the power produced is used exclusively to support Dinson’s steel production processes, ensuring consistent operations and industrial efficiency.
Echoing these sentiments, Zhou Ding, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Zimbabwe, said Dinson’s investment shows how large-scale industry can drive broader economic benefits. “Beyond production figures, Dinson’s broader contributions are equally noteworthy,” he said, citing value addition, job creation and local prosperity as key outcomes of the project.
As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, the link between large-scale industrial investment and grassroots enterprise development at Siyaso and Gazaland continues to stand out as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.
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