Harare, (New Ziana) -The baking industry in Zimbabwe is poised for growth, with local investors leading the expansion, the National Assembly heard on Tuesday.

Giving oral evidence before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, the National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president Elvis Ncube said recent commissioning of plants and ongoing investment in local production signal a positive outlook for the sector.

“What we are witnessing in the baking sector is very encouraging. Local bakers and producers are commissioning new plants, and we anticipate more facilities coming online in the near future. This clearly shows that the industry is on a growth trajectory,” he said.

Two major bakeries, Proton and Baker’s Inn recently commissioned new plants. Proton Bakers installed a US$3.6 million plant in Marondera, while Baker’s Inn recently commissioned a state-of-the-art plant in Bulawayo.

“These are Zimbabweans, living and investing here, and they deserve support and appropriate incentives to continue driving industrial growth. Too often, discussions about investors focus on international players, yet we have local entrepreneurs who are building this country’s future,” said Ncube.

He however said one of the key priorities for the industry remains ensuring bread remains affordable for the average Zimbabwean, and urged the government to consider reinstating zero-rated tax status on bread to achieve more growth.

“It is our plea that bread be made tax-exempt again. This will help us stabilize prices and ensure the product stays within reach of all Zimbabweans, provided other input costs remain stable. The outlook is generally good. What we need now is to protect and sustain the gains being made so that every Zimbabwean continues to benefit,” Ncube said.

New Ziana