Strategic partnerships have long been recognised as a driving force behind economic growth, fostering collaboration between businesses, universities, investors, and government institutions.
In last week’s column, we explored how partnerships can unlock business potential in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and innovation.
However, beyond their immediate economic impact, strategic alliances hold the potential to drive large-scale industrialisation, enhance Zimbabwe’s global competitiveness, and position the country as a leader in sustainable economic development.
This article delves deeper into the role of strategic partnerships in Zimbabwe, examining how businesses and institutions can structure long-term collaborations that go beyond short-term financial gains to deliver lasting economic transformation.
From survival to expansion
Zimbabwean businesses often enter into partnerships as a survival mechanism —seeking access to capital, technology, or market opportunities in the face of economic constraints. While these immediate benefits are valuable, a more sustainable approach would be to focus on long-term strategic alliances that create ecosystems of shared value.
A prime example of such a shift can be seen in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector. Instead of viewing partnerships as temporary funding arrangements, businesses can engage in value chain collaborations that integrate smallholder farmers into global supply chains.
Large agribusinesses such as Seed Co have begun to engage in such models, working with rural farmers to improve seed varieties and enhance production. By deepening these partnerships, Zimbabwe could develop export-led agricultural zones that attract international investment while ensuring the inclusion of local communities.
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Similarly, in the manufacturing sector, long-term partnerships between Zimbabwean firms and foreign investors could enable the adoption of new industrial technologies. One of the main barriers to growth in manufacturing is the reliance on outdated machinery, which limits productivity and competitiveness. A strategic partnership approach, such as leasing modern equipment from global suppliers in exchange for equity or long-term supply contracts, could provide a cost-effective solution for local industries.
University-industry collaboration
While Zimbabwean universities have made strides in research and innovation, much of their intellectual output remains underutilised due to a lack of commercialisation pathways. Partnerships between universities and the private sector could accelerate industrialisation by transforming academic research into viable business solutions.
In countries such as South Korea and Singapore, technology transfer agreements between universities and corporations have played a crucial role in industrial development. Zimbabwe can adopt similar models by fostering deeper collaborations between innovation hubs and business incubators. Universities such as the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) have developed promising innovations in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
However, without structured partnerships with industry players, these innovations risk remaining in laboratories rather than contributing to economic growth.
One way to bridge this gap is through joint research grants funded by both the private sector and international development organisations. For instance, a Zimbabwean mining company seeking to reduce its environmental impact could collaborate with university researchers to develop more sustainable extraction methods, with funding provided by international environmental agencies.
Such partnerships not only generate economic benefits, but also position Zimbabwe as a hub for responsible and innovative business practices.
Public-private partnerships leverage
Infrastructure development remains one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing economic challenges, with power shortages, poor road networks, and outdated rail systems hindering business expansion.
While government funding for infrastructure projects remains constrained, public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a viable alternative for financing and implementation.
One successful model of infrastructure PPPs can be seen in Zimbabwe’s energy sector. The Hwange Power Station expansion project, which is being developed through a partnership between the Zimbabwean government and Chinese investors, demonstrates how strategic alliances can facilitate large-scale infrastructure improvements.
However, Zimbabwe must ensure that such partnerships are structured to maximise local benefits, ensuring skills transfer, job creation, and reinvestment into the local economy. Beyond energy, PPPs can play a transformative role in urban infrastructure development. Cities such as Harare and Bulawayo could explore partnerships with private real estate developers to improve housing and commercial facilities.
In many emerging markets, municipal authorities collaborate with businesses to construct smart cities, integrating digital technologies into urban planning. Zimbabwe could follow suit by forging PPPs focused on modernising transport systems, improving waste management, and expanding broadband connectivity — all of which are essential for attracting foreign investment.
Expanding regional trade
Zimbabwe’s location within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) presents significant opportunities for regional partnerships. However, to fully leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Zimbabwean businesses must actively seek cross-border alliances that enhance their market access.
One area of opportunity is in regional manufacturing hubs. Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector, despite facing challenges, holds strong potential in areas such as steel production, textiles, and automotive assembly.
By forming partnerships with companies in neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zambia, Zimbabwean firms could create regional value chains that improve efficiency and competitiveness.
For example, instead of relying on imports for vehicle components, Zimbabwe’s metal and engineering firms could collaborate with South African manufacturers to supply auto parts, reducing production costs and strengthening the regional automobile industry.
Similarly, Zimbabwe’s tobacco processing sector — one of the largest in Africa — could form joint ventures with Kenyan and Malawian firms to develop a continental supply chain for processed tobacco products rather than exporting raw tobacco.
Venture capital investments
Access to financing remains a major obstacle for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs and small businesses. Traditional banking institutions often impose stringent loan requirements, making it difficult for startups to secure capital.
This is where venture capital partnerships can play a crucial role.
The National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe (NVCCZ), which was established to support high-growth startups, represents an important step toward developing a venture capital ecosystem.
However, for venture capital to thrive in Zimbabwe, partnerships with global investment funds and angel investors must be strengthened. Countries such as Nigeria and Kenya have successfully attracted tech-focused venture capital by fostering collaboration between local incubators and Silicon Valley investors.
Zimbabwe can replicate this by positioning itself as a destination for impact investment, particularly in areas such as finTech, agritech, and renewable energy solutions.
Additionally, corporate venture capital — where established companies invest in promising startups — could become a viable funding model for Zimbabwean enterprises. Large firms in telecommunications, banking, and mining could establish dedicated investment arms that provide early-stage financing to innovative businesses, creating a pipeline of scalable enterprises that contribute to economic diversification.
Conclusion
Strategic partnerships hold the key to unlocking Zimbabwe’s long-term economic transformation. While businesses have traditionally viewed partnerships as a means of overcoming short-term challenges, the focus must now shift towards building ecosystems of shared value.
From agriculture and mining to manufacturing and technology, Zimbabwean enterprises have the potential to develop globally competitive industries by fostering long-term, innovation-driven alliances.
The government must also play a proactive role in creating an enabling environment for partnerships, ensuring that policies support investment, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, business leaders must adopt a collaboration-first mindset, recognising that sustainable growth is best achieved through collective effort.
Zimbabwe stands at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory. By deepening partnerships, strengthening regional collaborations, and fostering innovation-driven investment, the country can chart a path toward sustainable prosperity. The time for isolated efforts is over — the future belongs to those who build together.
- Jongwe is an experienced business consultant with extensive expertise across various industries in Southern Africa, including higher education. — +27 82 408 3661/ +263 788 016 938/ e-mail: consultgws@gmail.com.
