Business Reporter
AS plans to initiate and step up development programmes targeting the province’s marginalised communities gather pace, economic empowerment advocacy body Affirmative Action Group has launched its Manicaland chapter.
AAG spokesperson Mr Ashirai Mutirikwi-Mawere said they are moving to capacitate local people and formulate market synergies to assist in commercialising farming and other activities as Manicaland is largely an agricultural and mining province.
“Our immediate goal is to reach out to every district even in the most remote of parts. We are now in Manicaland and working on coming up with strategic development plans.
“The marginalised communities in Chipinge, Chimanimani, Zimunya-Marange, Makoni, Nyanga and others have to benefit from our initiatives and we are ready to deliver,” said Mr Mutirikwi-Mawere.
He revealed that they have signed a US$20 million deal to secure agricultural and mining equipment meant for use by locals and promote the empowerment drive through value addition using local resources.
Mr Mutirikwi-Mawere added that their aim is to contribute to increasing the growth of business enterprises owned by indigenous people.