President Mnangagwa’s Economic Reforms Bear Fruit: National Foods Commissions Three Major Agro-Processing Plants.
Harare, Zimbabwe – May 30, 2025 – In a significant stride towards economic revitalization, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned three state-of-the-art agro-processing facilities at National Foods Holdings Limited’s headquarters on May 29, 2025. This development underscores the tangible outcomes of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP), both pivotal in steering the nation towards Vision 2030.
Boosting Local Production: A Leap Towards Self-Reliance
The newly inaugurated facilities include:
- Breakfast Cereals Extrusion Plant: With an investment of US$7 million, this plant boasts a monthly production capacity of 800 tonnes. It is projected to consume approximately 15,000 tonnes of maize annually, directly benefiting local farmers and reducing reliance on imports.
- Biscuit Manufacturing Line: This modern facility can produce up to 1,300 tonnes of biscuits monthly, showcasing Zimbabwe’s growing manufacturing capabilities.
- Pasta Production Facility: Equipped with advanced technology, this plant marks a significant step in diversifying Zimbabwe’s food processing sector.
Collectively, these projects represent a US$22.7 million investment, part of National Foods’ broader US$50 million commitment over the past five years to enhance local production and reduce import dependency.
Aligning with National Strategies: NDS1 and ZIRGP
These developments are in line with the objectives of NDS1 (2021–2025), which emphasizes industrialization, value addition, and economic growth. The Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024–2025) further complements these goals by focusing on reviving the manufacturing sector and promoting local procurement.
By fostering public-private partnerships and creating a conducive policy environment, the government aims to stimulate industrial development, create employment opportunities, and achieve sustainable economic growth.
Economic Impact: Empowering Local Agriculture and Industry
The commissioning of these plants is expected to have a ripple effect across the economy:
- Agricultural Sector: Increased demand for maize and other raw materials will provide a stable market for local farmers, encouraging higher production and income.
- Employment: The new facilities are anticipated to create numerous job opportunities, both directly within the plants and indirectly through supporting industries.
- Import Substitution: By producing goods locally, Zimbabwe can reduce its import bill, particularly for products like breakfast cereals, which previously cost the country US$2.5 million monthly in imports.
A Model for Future Investments
National Foods’ expansion serves as a blueprint for other companies considering value-added ventures in Zimbabwe. By leveraging the country’s abundant agricultural resources and aligning with national development strategies, businesses can contribute meaningfully to economic growth and self-reliance.
