Harare, (New Ziana) – Commercial milk production in Zimbabwe reached 40 million litres during the first four months of 2026, reflecting a seven percent increase from the 38 million litres recorded over the same period last year, as the country steps up efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
Figures released by the Dairy Services Unit (DSU) show that milk output has consistently improved each month since the beginning of the year, compared to corresponding periods in 2025.
“Milk production for January 2026 rose by nine percent to 10.6 million litres, up from 9.8 million litres recorded in January last year, while February output climbed eight percent to 9.4 million litres from 8.7 million litres during the same month in 2025.
“Production in March also registered positive growth, increasing by 6 percent to 10.2 million litres from 9.6 million litres in the comparable period last year.
“In April, milk deliveries reached 10.1 million litres, representing a five percent rise from the 9.6 million litres produced in April 2025,” the DSU stated.
Zimbabwe recorded total milk production of 155 million litres in 2025, of which 121 million litres came from commercial producers, while the remainder was consumed at the household level.
The country is targeting commercial milk production of more than 200 million litres by 2030 under the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS-2).
The AFSRTS-2 framework is focused on boosting agricultural productivity, improving the viability of farming enterprises, and promoting greater value addition and beneficiation across the sector.
Commercial raw milk production increased by six percent last year to 122 million litres, compared to 115 million litres produced in 2024.
Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency show that dairy imports surged 72 percent to US$8.7 million during the first four months of 2026, up from US$5.1 million in the corresponding period last year.
In terms of volume, dairy imports rose by 54 percent to 2.5 million kilogrammes, compared to 1.6 million kilogrammes imported during the same period in 2025.
New Ziana
