Zimbabwe Roundup: Tourism, steel production, fake doctors

Tourism to increase

Tourism in Zimbabwe is projected to gain momentum throughout 2024, continuing the upward trend that began in the post-pandemic period of 2022-2023. Although a significant rise is anticipated in 2024, it's expected that tourist numbers will return to the pre-pandemic heights of 2019 by 2025. Looking ahead from 2025 to 2028, the tourism sector is forecasted to experience sustained growth, supported by the diversification of Zimbabwe's principal source markets and the country's extensive selection of attractions and tourism activities, BMI reports.

Zimbabwe kickstarts steel production

Tsingshan Holding Group, a Chinese manufacturing giant, has initiated operations at its steel production facility in Zimbabwe, valued at $1 billion, as reported by Reuters. The plant, managed by Tsingshan's affiliate, Dinson Iron and Steel Company, is set to manufacture 600,000 metric tons of carbon steel annually in its initial phase. Plans include ramping up production to 1.2 million metric tons and eventually reaching 5 million metric tons in subsequent phases, according to Energy Capital and Power. “We have started to produce pig iron, which is a raw material used for the production of steel. By July, that’s when we will start to produce the actual carbon steel,” stated project director Wilfred Motsi.

Fake doctors arrested

The government of Zimbabwe has issued a caution regarding a rise in the number of unqualified medical practitioners, a situation that presents a grave risk to the health and safety of the public. It has come to light that, since the previous year, 44 individuals posing as doctors and instructors have been apprehended at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. On Monday, June 24, the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ), which is responsible for safeguarding public health, alerted the nation to the growing issue of fraudulent medical professionals, as chronicled by the Chronicle. “The rise of individuals posing as qualified medical professionals, despite lacking the necessary credentials and expertise, poses serious threats to public health and safety. As part of its mandate, the Authority seeks to uphold and promote high standards for the healthcare delivery system in Zimbabwe through the coordination of the eight health professions councils and health care institutions in an ethical, efficient and professional manner,” read the statement.

Call to protect sugar factory

Darlington Chiwa, the Member of Parliament for Chiredzi West, has urged the government to enact measures safeguarding the sugar sector, emphasising its role in fostering sustainable progress and economic expansion in Zimbabwe, as per News Day. His remarks followed a press visit to the sugar estates and processing facilities of Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe in the Lowveld region. The company manages two major operations in the area: Hippo Valley and Triangle.

Iran ties

The foundation of the relationship between Zimbabwe and Iran is strong, having been established and nurtured over the years through joint economic efforts. Therefore, the untimely demise of Iran's former President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian is not expected to hinder their ongoing partnership. Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Iran, Bright Kupemba, confirmed this during a recent interview with Iranian media in Tehran. Ambassador Kupemba's statement aligns with that of his Iranian counterpart, Ambassador Abbas Navazani, who also emphasised that the anticipated surge in economic ties between the two nations will remain unaffected by President Raisi's tragic death in a helicopter accident, reports The Herald.