ZIMBABWE’S economy remains centralised, with data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) showing that Harare, Bulawayo, and Midlands Provinces continue to dominate the country’s economic landscape.
The three provinces collectively accounted for the share of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, showing the concentration of industrial and service activities in urban and industrial hubs.
According to the ZIMSTAT 2024 provincial GDP report, Harare remains the country’s economic centre, contributing 22.68%of Zimbabwe’s total GDP at current prices.
This is driven by the province’s base in service sectors such as finance, insurance, trade, and manufacturing.
Harare
Harare accounted for 33.25% of national output in financial and insurance activities, while also contributing 32.99% of total manufacturing output.
The capital strengthened its lead in wholesale and retail trade, including vehicle and motorcycle repairs, representing 30.99% of the national total.
At constant 2023 prices, Harare’s economy expanded by 4.72%, showing growth despite macroeconomic challenges.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo has the highest GDP per capita, representing average economic output per person, calculated by dividing GDP at market prices by the population.
The province’s economy is sustained by performances in wholesale and retail trade, where it commands 19.50% of national output, and in manufacturing, contributing 14.77%.
Midlands
Midlands Province accounted for 11.74% of national GDP, consolidating its role as an industrial and mining centre.
The province recorded growth in 2024, with its manufacturing sector expanding by 13.71% and mining and quarrying rising by 13.60%, both at constant 2023 prices.
Matabeleland South contributed 4.66% of the national GDP.
The province had sectoral growth, led by a 46.55% increase in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply.
Mining and quarrying grew by 12.52%, supported by a 2.43% rise in construction.
Challenges
ZIMSTAT figures show an economic landscape concentrated in urban provinces.
The data suggests Zimbabwe’s growth prospects will depend on efforts to diversify production and stimulate economic activity across other regions.
Despite the contributions, Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector, mainly small-scale, drives economic growth, producing food, metals, and chemicals, but faces challenges from outdated machinery, power shortages, and limited investment. – IOW Data.
