Govt lures local investors
LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
The Government has urged local investors to seize vast opportunities in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector as it intensifies efforts to modernise and transform farming into a key driver of economic growth.
Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos, said the country cannot afford to leave agriculture investment solely to offshore financiers.
“These investments will not only strengthen food security but also drive economic growth and build climate resilience in the sector,” Haritatos said.
The call comes as Zimbabwe embarks on an aggressive and decisive campaign to attract US$1.4bn from global investors. The initiative, spearheaded by Lands and Agriculture permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri, forms part of the Ministry’s push under the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS).
Professor Jiri has been actively courting offshore investors, including recent engagements in Senegal, with the aim of mobilising funds to fully develop key agricultural value chains by 2030.
“This investment proposal, valued at US$1.4bn, is designed to drive the full-scale development of these chains up to 2030,” Jiri said.
The strategy aligns with Zimbabwe’s rallying call: “Zimbabwe is open for business, and agriculture is no exception.” The Government has emphasised that agriculture requires at least US$1bn per season to meet the country’s growth and food security targets.
The comprehensive plan covers 42 value chains, with seven priority chains identified for targeted impact: blueberries, dairy, beef, maize, sunflowers, soybeans, and poultry.
The funding gap highlights the urgent need for increased and efficient public and private sector investment, particularly in irrigation infrastructure, climate-resilient farming practices, and affordable financing for farmers
