Story by Providence Maraneli
MATOBO– CALLS are intensifying for the establishment of value-addition plants in Maphisa to support the rapidly growing agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors, as the government intensifies the rural industrialisation agenda under the Second Republic.
The Matobo District’s administrative centre, Maphisa Growth Point, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years culminating in its recent elevation to town board status a development hailed by local stakeholders as a step towards broad-based economic growth.
Speaking on the development, Matobo District Development Coordinator, Mr Obey Chaputsira, expressed optimism about the district’s economic trajectory.
“We are happy that the local authority achieved town board status. We continue to market our district to investors so that development can continue,” he said.
Matobo Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Elvis Sibanda, highlighted ongoing infrastructure development initiatives aligned with the government’s Call to Action blueprint.
“We took heed of His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s Call to Action and are working on several key projects. We have created a planning department, rehabilitated roads, and installed street lights. Our goal is to transition into full town status soon,” he said.
A significant contributor to the district’s agricultural output is the ARDA Antelope Estate, which boasts over 500 hectares of winter wheat under cultivation and more than 100 hectares of high-quality potatoes.
The estate supplies major markets such as Mbare Musika, Simbisa Brands, and Bulawayo.
ARDA Antelope Estate Manager, Mr Aleck Chinyayi, underscored the need for local agro-processing facilities.
“Since 2024, we have grown over 100 hectares of potatoes. We are currently in discussions with the local authority to secure land for establishing a flour milling plant and potato processing factories,” he said.
Echoing the call for value addition, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, emphasised the importance of agro-industrial development in rural areas.
“Value addition is the way forward. This estate produces maize seed and wheat, and we must add value and package these products locally. We also need to establish chip shops to market finished products. This is the rural industrialisation we speak of empowering our communities and contributing to GDP growth,” he said.
The push for industrialisation in Matobo aligns with the broader vision of the Second Republic, which seeks to modernise rural economies by promoting local beneficiation, creating employment, and unlocking the full potential of Zimbabwe’s agricultural and mineral resources.
As Maphisa embraces its new status and aspirations, the need for investment in value-adding industries remains critical to sustaining growth and transforming livelihoods in the district.
