Dinson granted special economic zone status
GOVERNMENT, through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida), has granted the giant Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize, Chirumhanzu District in the Midlands Province, a special economic zone (SEZ) designation.
The move grants Dinson the rights to act as zone owner, developer and operator, enabling the company to attract and licence other investors operating within the iron and steel value chain.
The momentous development marks the launch of the Dinson Integrated Iron and Steel Industrial Park, a pioneer SEZ project located in Nyikavanhu, Ward 15 and Chirumhanzu District.
This strategic decision is expected to drive large-scale industrialisation, export growth and employment creation, with the potential to create up to 25 000 direct jobs and 150 000 indirect jobs at full operational capacity.
The Dinson Integrated Iron and Steel Industrial Park is poised to transform Chirumhanzu into a vibrant industrial hub and position Zimbabwe as a leading regional steel exporter.
The flagship project demonstrates the success of public-private collaboration under the SEZs model and underscores the Government’s commitment to implementing the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) as a pathway towards realising Vision 2030.
Zida chief executive officer, Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, handed over the SEZ designation certificate, as well as the developer and operator permits, to Dinson Industrial Group’s chief executive officer Mr Benson Xu, popularly known as Tanaka Shumba at a function recently held in Harare.
Commenting on the development, Mr Benson said this was a milestone achieved through hard work and resilience made possible by a team of local employees who have been there from the start.
The US$1,5 billion Manhize steel project is one of the signature investments under the Second Republic aimed at transforming Zimbabwe’s steel industry and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Following the handover of the permits, Dinson is now set to implement the approved SEZ Development Plan, develop critical infrastructure, and onboard upstream and downstream industrial players into the SEZ.
The milestone marks the beginning of one of Zimbabwe’s most substantial industrial undertakings, with far-reaching implications for the country’s economic growth and development.
“I would like to thank my team of local employees for their tireless efforts in helping us achieve this significant milestone.
“Obtaining SEZ status is not an easy feat, and it requires a lot of hard work and resilience. The process is quite rigorous, but we persevered and worked together as a team to make it happen,” said Mr Benson.
He extended his gratitude to the Government for granting Dinson the SEZ licence.
Mr Benson said the business environment has been conducive from the setting up of the US$1,5 billion plant to the current stage of production and productivity.
“We are honoured that the Government has placed its trust in us by awarding us this SEZ licence. This recognition demonstrates the Government’s commitment to industrialisation and its confidence in our ability to drive this vision forward,” he said.
“We are excited to work with all stakeholders to make this project a success.”
Mr Benson explained that Dinson will build, develop, and operationalise the SEZ brick by brick, as articulated President Mnangagwa.
“The industrial park will be developed brick by brick and steel by steel, in line with the President’s vision for industrialisation.
“We are committed to making this project a reality and contributing to the country’s economic growth and development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chinamo has urged Dinson to prioritise job creation, skills transfer, and technology transfer for the benefit of the local community.
“By doing so, you will not only contribute to the economic growth of Zimbabwe but also ensure that the benefits of this project are shared by all. We look forward to working with you to make this project a success story,” he said.
The Dinson Industrial Group, under the leadership of Mr Benson has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and expansion in Zimbabwe.
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