Story by Tafara Chikumira, Midlands Bureau Chief
ZIMBABWE is strengthening its industrial base and reducing reliance on imports following the expansion of the Dinson Iron and Steel Company’s (DISCO) product range to include hot wire rods and steel mining mill balls, critical inputs for the manufacturing and mining sectors.
The development marks a significant step in the country’s broader industrialisation drive, as steel production increasingly underpins infrastructure development, manufacturing growth and economic expansion.
DISCO’s expanding portfolio builds on existing outputs such as pig iron, steel billets and deformed bars, positioning the plant as a key supplier to downstream industries. Once fully operational, the company is expected to rank among the largest steel producers in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Hot wire rods are used to produce other small wires such as mesh wire and nails, while steel mining mill balls are used for grinding in the mining industry. These add on to pig iron, steel billets and deformed bars,” DISCO Project Manager Mr Wilfred Motsi said.
Government has welcomed the downstream impact of the steel producer, particularly its contribution to the growth of small and medium enterprises, which have historically relied on imported steel products.
“We are very happy with the level of production at this plant. The level we have reached in cutting imports is quite substantial. What this means is that our small to medium entrepreneurs are some of the biggest benefactors. They used to get some of these deformed bars from abroad and now they are getting them locally at a lower price. These bars are critical for our growth as a country,” the Minister of Women Affairs, Community Small to Medium Enterprises Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, who toured the plant this Thursday, says the success in establishing the steel plant has opened room for more business opportunities between Harare and Beijing.
“This is my first time visiting this plant. It is interesting that our bilateral relations, which are mainly mutual, are producing the required results that are benefiting both countries. If you remember very well, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was in China last year, where he signed several agreements on business cooperation. What this means is that you are likely to see more Chinese businesses coming to Zimbabwe to invest in the country,” he said.
The plant, which was established from scratch, is now making waves in the steel production matrix putting Zimbabwe on the global map as far as steel production is concerned.
With the country saving US$500 million annually on the import bill since the company became operational, there is hope that Zimbabwe’s industrialisation revolution is well on course.
The mass production of steel products at this plant is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring the fulfilment of the dictates of the National Development Strategy 2 policy document.
