EnviroPress Reporter
In a notable shift responding to mounting pressure from the community, Bikita Minerals has announced the adoption of a locally based procurement policy aimed at empowering businesses and service providers within Bikita district.
The move comes just months after heated calls from residents, local business leaders, and traditional leaders at a mining symposium organised by EnviroPress Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa Trust, where the lithium mining giant was criticised for favouring external suppliers, particularly from Harare and China.
Bikita Minerals spokesperson Collen Nikisi confirmed the policy shift, stating that the company has now begun sourcing a portion of its materials and services from within the district.
“We have heard the concerns from our host community and taken them seriously. The company is now implementing a local procurement framework prioritising businesses registered and operating in Bikita. This is part of our broader community empowerment strategy,” said Nikisi.
Bikita District Development Coordinator (DDC) Bernard Hadzirabwi called the move progressive but implored for transparency during the processes.
While the development has been welcomed as a step in the right direction, community members and business leaders say more needs to be done to ensure the policy is transparent, inclusive, and sustainable.
“We commend the company for finally acting. But we want to see clear guidelines and quotas – how much of the procurement budget is actually being spent locally?”.
“There is a risk that only a few hand-picked companies will benefit. If the process isn’t open, then we are simply replacing one form of exclusion with another,” said Charles Musimiki, chairperson of the Bikita Business Association.
Murape village head and Ward 11 Councillor Lawrence Vhovha urged Bikita Minerals to set up a community procurement oversight committee to ensure fairness and accountability.
“We don’t want empty promises. The mine should sit with us regularly, disclose which contracts are being awarded and to whom. This is our land, and transparency is key,” Vhovha said.
Policy advocates are also pushing for national mining laws to include mandatory local procurement thresholds, arguing that voluntary policies can be reversed without accountability.
“Communities across Zimbabwe, not just in Bikita, are being short-changed. We need legislation that compels mining companies to spend a minimum percentage of procurement budgets locally,” said Enock Zuze, a policy researcher working with EnviroPress.
