Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday commissioned a new multi-million-dollar production facility at Cut Rag Processors Private Limited, describing the investment as a clear sign of Zimbabwe’s accelerating industrial resurgence and growing private-sector confidence under the Second Republic.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, he said the expansion by Cut Rag Processors — Zimbabwe’s first independent cut rag and cigarette manufacturing company established in 2000 — reflects the country’s ongoing economic transformation driven by modernisation, value addition and export-oriented growth.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to officiate at the commissioning of the Cut Rag Processors’ new production facilities. This occasion demonstrates Zimbabwe’s on-going industrial resurgence and is testament that ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’, anchored by private sector-led growth,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said his administration has placed industrialisation, value addition and export competitiveness at the heart of national development as the country moves towards achieving Vision 2030.
He praised the private sector — including factories, farmers, innovators and entrepreneurs — for its critical role in expanding value chains, creating jobs and modernising the economy.
“Under my leadership, Government has placed industrialisation, modernisation, value addition and export-led growth at the core of our national development agenda, and quest to achieve Vision 2030.
We continue to recognise that the private sector, factories, farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs must play their critical role with regards to expanded value chains, job creation and the overall industrialisation and modernisation of our motherland, Zimbabwe. I, therefore, congratulate the Board and Management of this entity for the business expansion we have witnessed here today. Well done, Makorokoto, Amhlophe,” he said.
The commissioning comes as Zimbabwe celebrates record-breaking agricultural performance, particularly in the tobacco sector. Production reached an all-time high of 355 million kilogrammes in 2025, earning US$1.2 billion. The President noted that Zimbabwe now ranks sixth globally in tobacco production, with the sector supporting more than 160,000 households.
“Our flue-cured tobacco stands out in both quality and demand across the region and beyond,” he said, adding that the country must now increase value addition, promote climate-smart farming and strengthen local financing mechanisms to fully unlock the sector’s potential.
The new plant unveiled by Cut Rag Processors features state-of-the-art technologies designed to boost efficiency in cut rag processing and increase cigarette production capacity.
The facility is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s self-sufficiency in tobacco manufacturing while positioning the country as an exporter of high-value processed tobacco products.
The President also commended the company’s sustainability measures, including its use of wood blocks from timber waste as an alternative energy source.
“This is a model for responsible production, which is now the global norm. Well done,” he said.
Turning to economic reforms, President Mnangagwa said Government continues streamlining the Ease of Doing Business environment across 12 key sectors, with significant progress recorded in agriculture, transport, tourism and the wholesale and retail sectors.
Many licences, permits, levies and regulatory requirements have been simplified or removed altogether.
“Through this ongoing Regulatory Reform Agenda, we are determined to ensure that no investment is hindered by bureaucratic red tape. Government aims to create a predictable and transparent business climate “where enterprise and innovation are rewarded, and industry thrives,” he said.
He also revealed that the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) will soon be launched, alongside the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 and a comprehensive Local Content Strategy.
These frameworks, said President Mnangagwa, are designed to accelerate industrial diversification, strengthen manufacturing and ensure more wealth is generated and retained within Zimbabwe.
As part of its push towards a modern, digitally driven economy, Government is expanding national infrastructure in energy, transport, water and ICTs with the recently adopted Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aiming to position industry for advanced manufacturing using technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data and intelligent automation, he said.
However, the President urged businesses to ensure that all communities benefit from economic progress.
“Let us be conscious of the need to ensure that no one and no place must be left behind,” he said, invoking the national philosophy: Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe
ngabanikazi balo.
New Ziana
