Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
ZIMBABWE’s steel production has recorded significant growth in recent years, driven by increased output at the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in Manhize, which is supplying both the domestic market and exporting to countries across the Southern African region.
The expansion of the steel sector aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s drive to re-industrialise the economy under the Second Republic, with steel emerging as a critical input for national infrastructure development.
DISCO, a US$1.5 billion investment, has become a major anchor of Zimbabwe’s steel industry, with an annual production capacity of 600 000 tonnes. The company has expanded its footprint within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), exporting steel products while maintaining a strong presence on the local market.
DISCO Project Manager Mr Wilfred Motsi said regional demand for steel has created opportunities for Zimbabwean producers
“We have huge markets within the region, including South Africa, which previously had one of the major steel plants that has since closed. We also enjoy a significant market share in Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, among others,” Mr Motsi.
He added that the company continues to support domestic infrastructure projects.
“Locally, we are performing very well by supporting infrastructure development across the country.”
Steel produced at the Manhize plant is being used in the construction of dams, housing developments, bridges, roads and new manufacturing facilities, contributing to key projects being implemented nationwide.
Looking ahead, DISCO is exploring plans to diversify its operations, including the production of cement through the utilisation of furnace slag.
“We are producing about 600 000 tonnes of iron annually, alongside a number of other products. We are also exploring additional processes such as cement production to utilise furnace slag,” Mr Motsi added.
The investment has been supported by policies introduced by the Second Republic, which President Mnangagwa has said are designed to promote professionalism, efficiency and broad stakeholder participation in national development.
