Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE is steadily moving towards self-sufficiency in milk production, with national output rising to over 120 million litres in 2025, up from 114 million litres in 2024.
The figures, released this Monday by the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, reflect sustained growth under the Second Republic’s commitment to strengthening the dairy sector.
The country is now approaching the annual national requirement of around 130 million litres, a milestone that highlights both commercial and household-level contributions to milk supply. Non-commercial milk production, largely consumed at household level, is estimated at seven million litres for 2025.
“From a baseline of 70 million litres in 2020, production has steadily increased, recording a six percent growth from 2024 to 2025. This trend shows that Zimbabwe is on course to achieve milk self-sufficiency. The favourable rains, combined with supportive policies on pricing and the ease of doing business, have played a critical role,” said Mrs Paidamoyo Chadoka, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers.
The growth in milk production is also creating broader socio-economic benefits.
“Increased local production has a multiplier effect: it generates employment, stabilises prices, and ensures greater availability of milk on formal retail shelves. There are still areas to improve, but the trajectory is encouraging,” said Mr Paul Zakariya, Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union.
With milk self-sufficiency within reach, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to achieve the production targets outlined under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), further supporting the country’s drive for agricultural development and food security.
