Govt targets US$12bn manufacturing boom

MOREBLESSING MARANGE

The Government has set an ambitious target to grow Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector into a US$12bn industry by 2030, Business Times can report.

The target, outlined under the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP) 2026-2030, seeks to lift manufacturing output from the current US$7bn while positioning Zimbabwe as a regional industrial and export hub.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Davipel Holdings’ new headquarters and agro-processing and manufacturing facilities in Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the industrial blueprint would serve as a key pillar of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Under the policy, Government is targeting annual manufacturing growth of at least 5%, industrial exports of US$1 billion and capacity utilisation of 75% by 2030.

“Our country’s Industrial Policy No. 2 aligns with NDS2 and sets our targets to grow manufacturing output from the current US$7bn to US$12bn,” President Mnangagwa said.

He said the targets were designed by industry stakeholders and challenged manufacturers to translate them into tangible economic outcomes.

“These benchmarks were set by you, the stakeholders in manufacturing. Hence, you must deliver more so that the targets are not merely economic statistics, but signify expanded employment opportunities, stronger enterprises, higher incomes, and improved quality of livelihoods for our people.”

The President also urged local manufacturers to deepen their penetration into regional and international markets by taking full advantage of existing trade agreements, saying exports will be critical to sustaining industrial growth.

“Zimbabwe must continue to position itself as a manufacturing hub while playing its part to enhance regional integration, transform markets for sustainable growth, and strengthen partnerships for shared prosperity,” he said.

Highlighting Davipel Holdings as an example of local industrial expansion, Mnangagwa said the company’s integrated business model, spanning maize milling, stockfeed production, snack manufacturing and freight logistics, demonstrated the type of investment needed to strengthen domestic value chains, reduce imports and create jobs.

He challenged the company to accelerate the rollout of stockfeed distribution depots across the country to improve access to agricultural inputs, particularly for smallholder farmers.

“I therefore urge you to partner with other emerging entrepreneurs and set up subsidiary manufacturing entities in our provinces and districts in line with the rural industrialisation drive,” he said.

Mnangagwa added that achieving the country’s industrial ambitions will require sustained investment in Special Economic Zones, technology transfer, innovation and stronger local value chains to boost competitiveness and unlock long-term economic growth.