Global seed giants KKSP, Syngenta eye Zimbabwe market

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

Global seed heavyweights Klein Karoo Seed Production (KKSP) and Syngenta are targeting Zimbabwe as a premier hub for seed production, in what could mark a significant shift in the country’s agricultural supply chains.

The interest comes as authorities seek to establish new seed supply lines following reluctance by some traditional suppliers to continue participating in government programmes due to outstanding payments.

Government is reportedly owing various seed suppliers over US$20m, with several companies now unwilling to supply seed under State-backed schemes until arrears are cleared.

Against this backdrop, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, hosted investors from KKSP and Syngenta last week.

He said the visit signalled that Zimbabwe had been specifically targeted by global industry leaders for its immense agronomic potential.

Discussions centred on positioning Zimbabwe as a primary country of origin for global seed supply, leveraging the country’s world-class climate and unique “shoulder season” production window. This window enables Zimbabwe to supply global markets during critical periods when other major producing regions are out of season.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Jiri underscored the country’s natural and structural advantages.

“You need not worry about the climate; Zimbabwe possesses the finest environment for the production of any crop you desire. We are already witnessing a boom in the blueberry industry as a direct result of our superior climate, which yields exceptional quality and size. Our unique conditions allow us to enter global markets earlier and stay later than most competitors, providing us with a significant ‘shoulder season’ advantage. Beyond our favorable climate, Zimbabwe also boasts one of the best and most robust seed systems in Africa, providing a solid foundation for any agricultural venture. You are certainly in the right place,” he said.

A key highlight of the engagement was the potential role of the global firms in supporting Zimbabwe’s Rural Development 8.0 agenda.

Under the Ministry’s Village Business Unit (VBU) model — which has already established over 1,400 operational units across the country — rural communities could gain access to high-quality vegetable genetics and advanced technical expertise.

Authorities are exploring the local production of specialised seeds for crops such as alliums, carrots and brassicas. The strategy is aimed at accelerating rural industrialisation by ensuring that every village horticulture business unit is equipped with superior inputs to boost productivity and household incomes.

Beyond domestic supply, the meeting also focused on export prospects, amid growing inquiries for Zimbabwean horticultural produce from the Middle East and other international markets.

As the Directorate of Research continues to assess the technical requirements of a potential partnership, the Ministry says it remains committed to providing a “soft landing” for investors who recognise Zimbabwe’s strategic value.

The engagement underscores Harare’s ambition to transition from being a net importer of certain seed varieties to becoming a leading exporter of high-value horticultural products — a shift authorities believe is achievable given rising global interest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural potential.