Lands, Agricultural, Water, Climate
and Rural Resettlement minister Perrance Shiri has ordered State-owned companies under his purview to start making a profit and pay
dividends, in a renewed attempt by the government to squeeze quasi firms to plug holes in the National Budget.
Shiri told a 2018 strategic planning workshop last week that government was closely monitoring the feasibility of parastatals under his ministry.
“I expect parastatals under my ministry to positively contribute to the GDP and declare dividends… The government is looking at the viability of the current parastatals and what they are contributing to the GDP.
“There should be justification for the formation of parastatals and they are usually planted at strategic areas to ensure the continued flow of raw materials or continued stability of
employment in the country,” Shiri said.
The dividend decree follows a similar demand made earlier in the year but was largely overlooked.
However, market analysts expect broad adoption of the order next year with negotiations to take place on a company-by-company basis.
Shiri said the nation was looking up to the agricultural sector to turn around the economy and hopes it contributes 16 to 20 percent of the
country’s GDP and 40 percent of all export earnings, whilst providing solid livelihoods to 67

percent of the populace.Daily News