By Maxwell Mapungwana
Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s food production sector emerged as the country’s leading manufacturing industry employer in 2025, recording the highest net employment growth among all industrial sub-sectors, powered by  strong revenue growth.
According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) 2025 manufacturing sector survey, figures show that food production registered a 16 percent increase in net employment, significantly outperforming other manufacturing sectors and cementing its position as the country’s employment heavyweight within the industry.
The sector’s impressive job creation, said the CZI, was driven by robust business performance, with food manufacturers recording 18 percent growth in production output and 19 percent increase in revenue during the year.
Industry analysts say the strong growth reflects rising demand for processed food products, improved production capacity, and increased investment across the food value chain.
While several other manufacturing sub-sectors posted positive employment growth also in 2025, none matched food production.
The chemical products sub-sector and apparel manufacturing recorded seven percent net employment growth each, followed by textiles at six percent.
The rubber and plastic products sector, together with wood and wood products manufacturing, each achieved five percent growth in employment, indicating steady expansion across the broader manufacturing landscape.
The food production sector’s performance highlights its growing importance to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda and economic development efforts, while its ability to simultaneously increase output, revenue and employment demonstrates a strong link between production growth and job creation.
Economists note that the sector’s expansion has significant implications for the economy, given its extensive connections with agriculture, transport, packaging and retail industries. Increased activity in food processing not only creates factory jobs but also supports livelihoods throughout the value chain.
The strong showing by food manufacturers in 2025 is expected to bolster confidence in the sector’s prospects and reinforce its role as a key driver of industrial growth, employment creation and value addition in Zimbabwe.
With production and revenues continuing to rise, the food processing industry remains well-positioned to sustain its contribution to economic growth and job creation in the years ahead.
New Ziana
