Story by Bruce Chahwanda
HARARE – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabweans must harness local resources to foster the growth of local agro-industries through value addition and the requisite support to farmers.
The Head of State made the remarks during the commissioning of three new National Foods Limited manufacturing plants, dedicated to the production of biscuits, breakfast cereals, and pasta in Harare this Thursday.
The agro-food processing giant has invested US$22.7 million into the new facilities, located in Workington and Aspindale industrial areas, as part of a broader value-addition strategy aimed at meeting both domestic and export market demands.
The investment by companies in production lines cements the conducive environment being created by government which allows firms to thrive.
“This production facility is a beacon of efforts towards economic development and industrialisation. It embodies our collective ambition of building a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe, sector by sector. As Zimbabweans, we can harness our own resources, to foster the growth of local agro-industries through value addition and the requisite support to our farmers. Through this initiative, we are advancing our vision of building a diversified and sustainable economy, where value addition thrives and industries drive economic growth for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. I commend the Board and shareholders for their confidence in the policies of the Second Republic and the prevailing conducive business environment,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the investment into the three plants is in line with the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, National Development Strategy and Vision 2030.
“This modern breakfast cereal plant, with a targeted capacity of 800 tons per month, is indeed a game-changer. It will enable our country to locally produce fortified, high-quality cereals, ensuring consistent safety and nutritional standards. With a targeted investment totalling US$7 million, this plant will utilise around 15,000 tonnes of maize annually, directly supporting our farmers, thereby stimulating further production and productivity in the agriculture sector.
“This move reduces reliance on imported cereals and foreign currency outflows while increasing our regional competitiveness. Similarly, the National Foods biscuit production line, one of the most advanced large-scale biscuit manufacturing facilities in Zimbabwe, exemplifies our ongoing drive towards industrial innovation and self-sufficiency. With the capacity to produce up to 1 300 tonnes of biscuits per month, this plant employs cutting-edge technology and produces a variety of biscuits. The new plant demonstrates the commitment by National Foods, to job creation and skills development, which are all vital for inclusive economic growth,” he said.
The Head of State implored the company to work efficiently to meet local and regional demand, pledging government’s support.
“With such investments, Zimbabwe can now meet local demand and also strengthen its position as a regional supplier. It is impressive that to date, National Foods exports to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. I challenge the Group to expand these markets, towards promoting regional integration, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic diplomacy,” he said.
“My Government will support you, in this regard. What we are building as a country is a resilient, modern food industry that advances our SDGs, particularly Goal one and two on ending Poverty and Hunger. It is everyone’s goal to ensure that nutritious, affordable food options are accessible to all Zimbabweans while supporting the well-being of families and lifting our citizens out of poverty into prosperity.”
President Mnangagwa said strategic partnerships enable companies to compete at the regional and global levels.
“Today, we affirm that Zimbabwe can produce what we consume and compete regionally and globally, driven by strategic investments, innovative technology, and patriotic resolve. I acknowledge and thank our investors, partners, and all stakeholders whose support and confidence have made this venture possible. My government stands ready to continue improving the doing business environment, in line with our mantra, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’,” he said.
The Second Republic is forging ahead with the industrialisation and modernisation agenda, as companies invest in technologies to compete on the regional and international markets.
