Story by Tichaona Kurewa
IN a groundbreaking initiative, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), in partnership with Morocco’s OCP Group, is establishing a tamarind processing plant in Binga District an investment that is set to reshape the local economy and strengthen rural industrialisation.
For generations, the tamarind fruit, known as busika in Tonga, has been integral to communities in Binga District and across the Zambezi Valley, where it has traditionally been consumed in its natural form. That long-standing pattern is now shifting, with value addition scheduled to begin next year, creating new employment opportunities for local residents.
Binga Rural District Council Engineer, Zibusiso Nyoni, confirmed steady progress on the project.
“I would like to report that the construction of the factory is now underway and should be completed during the first quarter of 2026. We are utilising local labour for all our labour requirements, and currently 21 workers are working at the site. We are contributing in our own small way to employment creation in Binga District.”
According to MUAST, the facility will use modern agro-processing technologies and is designed to handle five tonnes of tamarind fruit per day, enabling the production of high-quality commercial products for both local and export markets.
Products will include tamarind juice, tamarind pulp, tamarind jam or spreads, and other value-added products still under development.
Tamarind fruit, the plant’s main raw material, will be sourced from the local community. MUAST reports that over seven tonnes have already been collected, with more than US$7 000 paid out to community members.
“For Binga District this plant will have a high impact on the value chain, job creation and rural industrialisation. Most women and youth will benefit through the value chain, and it will grow our GDP as a district through the creation of small enterprises and cross-border trade with Zambia,” MUAST Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Nyamangara said.
Apart from significantly boosting the district’s gross domestic product, the project is also creating employment opportunities in the area.
“I am happy to be working here. This is the first job I’ve ever had,” said a beneficiary.
“Working here has helped me pay school fees. We hope the plant grows so more people benefit, noted another.
The tamarind plant is indigenous to Binga and surrounding areas and carries cultural significance.
It thrives in the region’s hot, dry climate and is valued for its nutritional benefits, including Vitamin C and manganese as well as its traditional medicinal uses.
