By Dickson Bandera
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially launched National Foods’ new US$13 million production facility in Harare, calling it a strategic step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s food security, agro-industrial capacity, and economic independence.
The facility includes three modern production lines: a breakfast cereals extrusion plant, a biscuit manufacturing unit, and a pasta processing line. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa described the development as “a new chapter in the food processing sub-sector, driven by innovation and technology.”
“This production facility is a beacon of efforts towards economic development and industrialisation,” he said. “It embodies our collective ambition of building a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe, sector by sector.”
The cereal plant, with a monthly capacity of 800 tonnes, is expected to consume 15,000 tonnes of locally grown maize per year, enhancing the agricultural sector’s productivity and reducing dependence on cereal imports. Mnangagwa lauded the investment, stating, “This move reduces reliance on imported cereals and foreign currency outflows while increasing our regional competitiveness.”
The pasta line, which cost US$6 million, will produce approximately 1,200 tonnes of short-cut pasta every month using locally produced wheat. “It is timely that the National Foods pasta line is covering the import gap. This is applauded and will go a long way to support Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector,” the President remarked.
On the biscuit production line—capable of producing up to 1,300 tonnes per month—Mnangagwa noted its importance in job creation and skills development. “The plant demonstrates the commitment by National Foods to job creation, skills development, and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Highlighting the alignment of the investment with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the President said, “We are advancing our vision of building a diversified and sustainable economy, where value addition thrives and industries drive growth for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.”
Mnangagwa also urged National Foods to ramp up production and expand its export base. “I challenge the Group to expand these markets toward promoting regional integration and economic diplomacy. My Government will support you in this regard.”
He emphasised that Zimbabwe now had the capacity to meet domestic demand while competing in regional and international markets. “With strategic investments, innovative technology, and patriotic resolve, Zimbabwe can produce what we consume and export surplus.”
The President concluded with a call for continued collaboration across sectors to realise the nation’s goals. “Let us continue to work together to support initiatives that uphold our sovereignty, empower ourselves, and build a sustainable and self-reliant Zimbabwe.”
