Comment: Bulawayo can rise again through steel

ULAWAYO was once the pride of Zimbabwe’s industry. Its factories, workshops and railways made it the country’s manufacturing centre. But over the years, many of these industries closed, leaving behind empty buildings and lost jobs.

Today, the plan to make Bulawayo a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), focused on steel, offers real hope that the city can rise again.

The idea is simple but powerful. Government wants to turn Bulawayo into a centre for steel processing and manufacturing. This will be supported by the new steel production coming from the Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize. This link between Manhize and Bulawayo is important. It means Bulawayo will no longer struggle to find raw materials, as happened after Zisco collapsed. Instead, it will have a steady supply of steel to drive its industries.

Steel is key to any industrial economy. It is used to build houses, bridges, machinery and vehicles. If Bulawayo becomes a strong player in steel processing and fabrication, many other industries will grow around it. This is how the city can regain its position as the country’s industrial hub.

The SEZ status will also make a big difference. Companies that operate in special economic zones usually get benefits such as tax breaks, better infrastructure and fewer bureaucratic delays. This makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to operate. As a result, more investors are likely to set up factories in Bulawayo, bringing jobs and new life to the city.

What makes this plan even more promising is that Bulawayo already has much of the infrastructure in place. The factories may be old and quiet, but they are still there. The roads, railway lines and electricity systems are also available. Instead of starting from scratch, the city can build on what already exists. This can speed up recovery and reduce costs.

There is also a strong case for skills development. Bulawayo has a history of skilled workers in engineering and manufacturing. With the right support, training and partnerships, these skills can be revived and passed on to a new generation. When local skills meet new investment, industries grow faster and become more sustainable.

The timing is also right. Across Africa, demand for steel is rising because countries are building more infrastructure and cities are expanding. Zimbabwe can take advantage of this demand. By using Manhize for production and Bulawayo for processing and manufacturing, the country can compete in regional and even international markets.

Of course, success will not come automatically. The SEZ must be managed properly. Policies must be clear, and support must be consistent. Government and the private sector need to work together to make sure investors are confident and industries are productive.

Still, the opportunity is clear. Steel can become the foundation on which Bulawayo rebuilds its economy. It can bring back jobs, revive factories and restore the city’s identity as a centre of industry.

Bulawayo has been quiet for too long. With the right focus on steel and the SEZ, the city can once again become the engine that drives Zimbabwe’s growth.