Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT remains committed to creating an investor-friendly environment, promoting local manufacturing, import substitution and value chain development, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday while commissioning Varun Beverages Zimbabwe’s new snack manufacturing plant in Harare.
The President said local production of globally recognised brands such as Cheetos demonstrates confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy, industrial policies and manufacturing capacity.
“The local production of such globally celebrated brands serves as an endorsement of the country’s economy, policies and ability to deliver high-quality, internationally competitive products,” President Mnangagwa said.
The commissioning ceremony also included the laying of the foundation stone for a new juice and dairy blending facility at the company’s manufacturing complex.
President Mnangagwa said the additional US$20 million investment by Varun Beverages marks another milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive through job creation, industrial diversification and integration into regional and global value chains.
“The added US$20 million investment by Varun Beverages also marks industrial diversification, creation of employment opportunities for our people and manufacturing sector integration into both regional and global value chains,” he said.
The President noted that when he officially opened the company’s first production plant eight years ago, the facility had a single line producing about 10 million bottles per month.
“I am pleased to note that this complex has significantly expanded into a world-class manufacturing hub, with the addition of five more production lines, which include the production capacity of nearly 120 million bottles per month,” he said.
The company now directly employs about 2 000 people, while also creating indirect opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs.
President Mnangagwa described the company’s growth trajectory as evidence of what can be achieved through sustained investment and collaboration between government and the private sector.
He urged the company to continue prioritising worker welfare, saying employees remain central to long-term productivity and innovation.
“Workers must therefore be appropriately taken care of,” he said.
The new juice and dairy blending plant is expected to expand operations into the beverage and nutrition sectors while creating downstream opportunities in the dairy and fruit value chains. The President also called on Varun Beverages to support small-scale dairy farmers through integrated supply chains.
The Head of State said Zimbabwe’s economy has continued on a growth path since the establishment of the first production line at the plant, with annual growth averaging 5.5 percent.
He said government remains focused on domestic value addition, beneficiation, industrial modernisation and job creation, with the manufacturing sector projected to grow by 3.4 percent.
“Capacity utilisation is now surging beyond 60 percent,” he said.
The President said government has allocated resources towards industrial retooling, working capital support and improving the business operating environment.
He also announced that Cabinet had approved the reduction of several regulatory fees, licences and compliance costs affecting sectors including manufacturing, finance, real estate and healthcare.
“My Administration shall not hesitate to take bold decisions towards stimulating investment, multi-pronged industrial growth, job creation and broad-based empowerment,” he said.
President Mnangagwa welcomed Varun Beverages’ plans to diversify into renewable energy through proposed 500MW solar projects in Matabeleland South, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West.
“These investments include renewable energy generation of about 500MW. Ventures in the renewable energy sector are most welcome and dovetail with our quest for sustainable green industrial development,” he said.
He invited the company to expand exports into the SADC region and the wider African market using Zimbabwe’s strategic location and existing trade agreements.
“Zimbabwe is Open for Business and will continue to be a safe, secure and competitive investment destination,” President Mnangagwa said.
