The world over, with the exception of a few countries has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Numbers coming from Zimbabwe are proving otherwise.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Information and Publicity,Mr Nick Mangwana posted today on his twitter handle that Zimbabwe has recorded an impressive growth in production 2020, despite covid 19.
‘’While many countries have experienced negative economic growth in 2020 owing to Covid – 19, Zimbabwe reports impressive growth in production despite covid 19.’’ The post reads.
The positive expectations come at a time Zimbabwe is also expecting a bumper harvest that will see maize production triple to 2,8 million tons for 2020/21 agricultural season as reported by the Minster of Information and Publicity Monica Mutsvagwa on zbc tv.
In its 2021 Global Economic Prospects report released early January, the World Bank estimated the Sub- Saharan African region’s economy to have contracted by 4,3% in 2020.
However, according to Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Zimbwabwe experienced “massive growth” in the year 2020. This standpoint seems to corroborate with statistics from Industrial body CZI.
This reporter spoke to Sekai Kuvakira, the CZI Chief Executive Officer, the country did record improved industrial output.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries noted improved capacity utilization, which the body says rose by 10% points to 47% in 2020 up from 36.4% the previous year. The report also said there was improved foreign currency availability owing to the Foreign currency auction system which the industrial body says resulted in a stable market driven exchange rate.
Processed foods recorded an 18% increase in exports up from USD$98M in 2019 to USD$115m in 2020. According to the report the top export products were sugar which stood at USD$76m, Tobacco product USD$54m, fruit juices were at USD$5.6m while Pastry products reeled in USD$3.7m.
Contacted for comment ZNCC Chief Executive Officer Mr Takunda Mugaga declined to comment.
