Story by Tamuka Charakupa
A CHINESE investor, Broxmen Industrial Park, has committed at least US$500 million towards the development of a Coal-to-Chemicals Complex in Chegutu, a project expected to begin producing fertiliser by 2028.
The investment comes as Government reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business continue to attract major projects into Mashonaland West Province across a range of sectors.
Once completed, the fertiliser plant is expected to produce 350 000 tonnes of urea and 200 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate annually.
Broxmen Industrial Park, which also operates the Sunny Yifeng tile manufacturing plant in Norton, is simultaneously developing a US$40 million, 60-megawatt power plant scheduled for commissioning in September this year.
The company says the fertiliser project forms part of its long-term investment strategy in Zimbabwe and is expected to strengthen local production, create employment and reduce reliance on imports.
“This Coal-to-Chemicals Complex represents a major milestone in our long-term investment strategy in Zimbabwe. The project will require an investment of approximately US$500 million and is expected to commence production in 2028. Once operational, the plant will produce 350 000 tonnes of urea and 200 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate annually. We believe this investment will not only improve local fertiliser availability but also reduce import dependency and create opportunities for exports into the regional market. In addition, the project is expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases while promoting value addition to local resources,” said Broxmen Industrial Park Public Relations Officer, Mr Youliang Xiao.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo said the project reflects growing investor confidence in the province and supports the Second Republic’s industrialisation drive.
“This investment is a clear vote of confidence in Mashonaland West Province and in Zimbabwe’s economic policies under the Second Republic. The proposed fertiliser plant will play a critical role in supporting agricultural productivity and food security, which remain key pillars in the attainment of Vision 2030. We commend Broxmen Industrial Park for continuously expanding its investment portfolio in the province. Projects of this nature create jobs, stimulate industrial growth and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our communities. As the government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and ensuring the successful implementation of strategic projects such as this one,” she said.
The proposed fertiliser plant is expected to contribute to industrial expansion, enhance food security and create sustainable employment opportunities as Zimbabwe advances the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 and its Vision 2030 development agenda.
