ON the grounds of the University of Zimbabwe, something revolutionary is happening. 

In what was once a mining hall and now a repurposed space echoes the sound of progress — a uniquely Zimbabwean story of innovation, empowerment and self-sufficiency. They are subtle yet ground-breaking moments when a nation, often perceived as limited in its capacities, begins to stretch its wings and soar towards a brighter future. These are moments when ingenuity, innovation, and determination converge, leading to results that many may have thought impossible.

That Zimbabwe is now producing enough vehicle number plates to meet local demand and supply other SADC countries is more than just a small victory — it’s a profound symbol of the nation’s trajectory towards self-reliance. A symbol of a Zimbabwe that is steadily walking away from dependency, shaking off the chains of reliance on imports and charting its way towards industrial independence.

At one time, in the not-so-distant past, Zimbabwean cars on Zimbabwean roads, driven by proud Zimbabweans, owned by Zimbabweans, had to wait for their number plates to be shipped from over 12 000 kilometres away in Germany. A process that took days, sometimes weeks, as the country waited for these vital yet seemingly mundane items to make their way across continents and oceans. Today, the wait has been cut to mere minutes. The plates that once had to be sourced from faraway lands are now being produced just 7,5 kilometres from Harare CBD, at the UZ. What was once a mining hall at the university has been transformed into a state-of-the-art number plate manufacturing plant — a product of home-grown technology, conceived and executed by Zimbabwean hands and minds.

This story is not just about number plates. It’s about much more. It’s about a nation that is increasingly proving to the world — and more importantly, to itself — that it can solve its problems, innovate, produce and thrive. It is about a Second Republic that is determined to push the boundaries of what is possible, empowering its citizens and continuously laying the groundwork for a Zimbabwe being built by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans.

At first glance, the manufacturing of number plates might seem like an ordinary achievement. Yet, within this development lies a profound shift in Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape. This is one of many developments taking place in the country. They symbolise the nation’s ability to reverse a longstanding trend of dependency on imports and to substitute foreign products with locally manufactured goods. 

The implications of such a shift are enormous. It is a bold move towards reducing the country’s trade deficit, saving precious foreign exchange and creating jobs for local engineers, technicians and labourers.

The number plate plant at the University of Zimbabwe has a remarkable production capacity of 30 plates per minute, with the ability to produce up to 14 000 plates in a single day. This is more than enough to meet the local demand, with room for exporting to the region. 

It is no longer just about satisfying domestic needs but about positioning Zimbabwe as a regional leader in number plate manufacturing. The technology being used is entirely home-grown, developed through the ingenuity of local engineers and scholars.

This innovation showcases Zimbabwe’s potential to develop its industrial base and signals that, with the right support, the nation can compete globally.

Professor Paul Mapfumo, the UZ Vice-Chancellor, eloquently captures the essence of this achievement. 

“We have always said maybe if we are given the same level of support, our level of thinking is the same as what we get elsewhere abroad . . . As academics, as thinkers, once you get that assurance, you can do a lot of things. And you can inspire the young ones that we superintend to do even bigger because nobody has a monopoly of innovation, a monopoly of thinking,” said Prof Mapfumo.

His words resonate profoundly within the larger narrative of Zimbabwe’s path to achieving self-reliance. The Second Republic, under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has set its sights on turning the nation into a powerhouse of local production and innovation. And the policies geared towards fostering local industries, reducing reliance on imports and boosting export capacity are now bearing fruit.

To the naysayer, the establishment of the number plate plant is a textbook case of successful import substitution.

For years, Zimbabwe relied on importing number plates, draining the nation’s foreign currency reserves in the process. But the UZ’s establishment of the number plate plant is a textbook case of successful import substitution. 

With the UZ now fully equipped to produce plates not only for local use but for regional export, the tables have turned. Zimbabwe is no longer a passive consumer in the global market — it is now a producer.

Economist Godfrey Bakasa said of this development: “Import substitution has been a key area of focus for the Second Republic and this initiative at the UZ is a clear example of its success. By producing locally what we used to import, we are not only saving millions of dollars in foreign currency but also creating employment opportunities for our people. This is the way forward for Zimbabwe and the Government’s policies are beginning to bear fruit.” 

In fact, the savings in foreign currency are just the tip of the iceberg. The number plate plant’s capacity for export means that Zimbabwe can now generate revenue from neighbouring countries that require similar products. This shift from being a net importer to a potential exporter is emblematic of a broader economic transformation. The move towards home-grown solutions is not limited to number plates; across various sectors of the economy, Zimbabwe is increasingly looking inwards for solutions to its challenges. Whether it’s in agriculture, mining or manufacturing, the focus is now on leveraging local resources and expertise to drive economic growth.

Not so long ago, the country celebrated the commissioning of a multi-million-dollar oxygen and industrial gas plant at Feruka in Mutare. With capacity to meet national needs and export to neighbouring countries, this plant is a milestone in enhancing healthcare, providing essential oxygen for hospital ICUs and critical care units.

Political analyst Goden Nyambuya believes that this shift towards self-sufficiency remains a crucial aspect of the Second Republic’s vision for Zimbabwe’s future.

“The Government has been very clear in its focus on building a self-reliant economy. This is not just about economic growth — it’s about national pride and independence. For too long, Zimbabwe has been reliant on other countries for basic goods and services. But with initiatives like the number plate plant, we are seeing a real shift towards a more self-sufficient Zimbabwe. This is a significant political and economic achievement for the Second Republic,” Nyambuya said.

The vision of industrialisation and innovation is steadily coming to fruition.

Nyambuya also pointed to the broader geopolitical implications of the country’s push for self-sufficiency.

“Zimbabwe’s efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign imports and aid align with the Second Republic’s broader goal of asserting its sovereignty and independence on the global stage. 

“For the country, this is not just an economic issue — it’s a socio-political issue. By becoming more self-sufficient, Zimbabwe is reclaiming its economic independence and showing the world that it is capable of solving its own problems. 

“This is a powerful message, especially given the country’s history of illegal Western-imposed sanctions and foreign interference.”

The Second Republic’s policies, aimed at revitalising the manufacturing sector, fostering innovation and promoting local production, are rooted in the belief that Zimbabwe has the resources, talent and capacity to become a leading industrial power in Africa.

“And so far these policies are being proven right,” said Nyambuya.

Media analyst Samuel Kanoti extolled the foresight of the Second Republic in creating an environment conducive to industrial growth.

“What we are seeing are the fruits of a deliberate policy by the Government to create an enabling environment for local industries to thrive. This is not just about number plates — it’s about a broader vision for Zimbabwe’s industrial future,” Kanoti said.

“The Second Republic has made it clear that Zimbabwe’s future lies in its ability to produce, innovate and compete on the global stage.”

Kanoti further pointed out that the establishment of the number plate plant is a clear demonstration of the Second Republic’s commitment to supporting local industries and empower its citizens.

“The fact that this technology was developed locally, by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, shows Government’s commitment to empowering its people. This is not just about saving money on imports — it’s about building a Zimbabwe that is self-reliant and capable of standing on its own two feet,” he said.

 “The story of the number plate plant is just one chapter in Zimbabwe’s broader journey towards industrial self-sufficiency. Across various sectors, the Government and private sector are working together to develop home-grown solutions to the country’s challenges. In agriculture, for example, the Government has implemented an array of programmes to guarantee self-sufficiency through increased local food production and reduce the need for imports.

“In the energy sector, the country is investing in renewable energy projects that harness the country’s abundant solar and hydroelectric power resources. 

These initiatives not only reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels but also create jobs and promote sustainable development,” said Nyambuya. 

Similarly, in the mining sector, Zimbabwe is increasingly looking towards beneficiation —processing its mineral resources locally rather than exporting raw materials — to maximise the value of its natural wealth.” 

Social commentator Grace Moyo believes that these developments are crucial for Zimbabwe’s future.

“We have to start believing in ourselves as a nation. We have everything we need to succeed — our people are talented, our resources are abundant and our Government is supportive. The number plate plant at the UZ is just another proof that we can produce more. This is about more than just one industry — it’s about a mindset shift. It’s about realising that we don’t need to rely on anyone else. We can do this ourselves,” Moyo said.

“That we can do it should  be a national sentiment — a strong belief that Zimbabwe can, indeed, solve its own problems and chart its own path. With each new development, whether it’s in manufacturing, agriculture or energy, Zimbabwe is taking one step closer to a future where it is not just surviving but thriving. The number plate factory is just one example of the larger narrative playing out across the country.

 “This focus on import substitution is critical for the country’s Zimbabwe’s long-term economic stability. When a country is overdependent on imports, it becomes vulnerable to external shocks— whether it’s a global recession, currency fluctuations or supply chain disruptions. By producing locally, Zimbabwe is reducing its exposure to these risks and building a more robust economy,” said Moyo.

As the number plates roll off the production line, 30 at a time, they are more than just metal and paint — they are a symbol of Zimbabwe’s determination to chart its own course, to build a future on its own terms and to show the world that it is a nation capable of greatness.

And as I am about to wrap up this story  there’s more good news emerging out of our tertiary institutions.

The Midlands State University’s National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Centre (NPRDC) has become the newest go-to place for patients seeking specialised health services and that is a riveting story for another day.