By Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Zim GBC News Editor
BULAWAYO – Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has called for Zimbabwe to adopt a 24-hour economic model, highlighting increased electricity availability during off-peak hours as a key opportunity to enhance national productivity.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the ongoing Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) in Bulawayo, Minister Ncube challenged the nation to rethink its current working patterns, which he characterized as inefficient.
“We have an eight-hour economy, don’t we? By 4:30 PM, we are all going home,” Minister Ncube observed.
“We arrive at the office at 8 AM, take a two-hour lunch break. By 4:30 PM, we are going home.”
The Minister emphasized that significant amounts of electricity go underutilized during nighttime hours, presenting a substantial opportunity for expanded production and service delivery.
“Overnight, there is more electricity because the households are sleeping, so it’s actually more electricity available for productive use,” he explained.
“We need a 24-hour economy.”
Minister Ncube urged stakeholders to consider models adopted by other countries that have successfully implemented round-the-clock economic activity, stating:
“Other countries are doing this successfully—why not us?”
The proposal comes amid ongoing government efforts to stimulate economic growth and increase investment through innovation and structural reforms, with the minister’s remarks signaling a potential shift in national economic strategy.
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