Story by Bruce Chahwanda
ZIMBABWE is positioning itself to unlock a US$1 billion chilli export industry, with plans to supply up to 50 000 tonnes annually to the Chinese market through expanded production and value addition.
The initiative is being spearheaded by agro-processing firm Stagri-Brands in partnership with the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and ZimTrade, leveraging village business units to scale up production nationwide.
Growing demand from China has intensified interest in Zimbabwean chillies, with buyers already engaging local producers following a recent visit to Stagri-Brands’ processing plant in Banket.
“We are excited with what we witnessed today and most of our chillies come from India, but we are in love with Zimbabwe products because they are natural. There is huge potential for the local industry to meet our demands, so we are going to start with small shipments,” said Chinese buyer, Ms Aisha Guli.
ARDA Operations Director, Mr Washington Katiyo said the programme will be anchored on widespread community participation.
“As ARDA, we are utilising the expansive village business units to grow chillies for exports. We have partnered with a company called Stagri-Brands to ensure we create value for our communities. Out of the 35 000 business units and 9 000 school business units, the production of chilli is guaranteed considering the availability of markets,” he said.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Majuru emphasised the importance of finalising trade frameworks to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“Production of chilli has a huge potential in Zimbabwe and the availability of a huge market in China requires the expeditious implementation of Trade Protocol on Chilli between the two countries,” he said.
Stagri-Brands Chief Executive Officer, Mr Valentine Tapfumaneyi said the company is ready to meet export demand through an extensive out-grower scheme.
“The demand for chilli is immediate, which has been confirmed by the Chinese buyers’ visit to our plant. We are ready to supply 50 000 tonnes of the crop to China. We are also working on our value addition plant, which will play a critical role towards creating employment opportunities. We currently have centres across the country, doing 100 hectares of the crop and our partnership with ARDA will see every Village Business Unit doing the crop emerge as key empowerment to communities, considering it grows in all our ecological regions,” he said.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has previously called for innovation and inclusivity in export growth under the National Development Strategy 2, urging stakeholders to embrace technology and expand participation across communities.
The global chilli market is valued at over US$7 billion, with Zimbabwe’s initiative expected to benefit up to 300 000 farmers through increased production, exports and value addition.
