Harare, (New Ziana) –President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s industrial revival trajectory, saying the country is capable of meeting its own food needs and competing regionally.
He said this at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art National Foods production facility in Harare, a combined investment of US$13 million, comprising three major production lines, namely a US$7 million breakfast cereals extrusion plant, a US$6 million pasta line, and a cutting-edge biscuit manufacturing facility.
President Mnangagwa described the investment as a bold expression of corporate commitment to national food security, agro-industrialisation, and economic growth under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, the National Development Strategy (NDS1), and Vision 2030.
“This production facility is a beacon of efforts towards economic development and industrialisation. It embodies our collective ambition of building a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe, sector by sector,” he said.
The breakfast cereal plant, with a monthly output capacity of 800 tons, is set to consume 15 000 tonnes of maize annually, boosting local agriculture and reducing reliance on imports.
“This is a game-changer. It will enable our country to locally produce fortified, high-quality cereals, ensuring consistent safety and nutritional standards,” he said.
The biscuit line, hailed as one of the most advanced in Zimbabwe, is capable of producing 1,300 tons per month and is expected to contribute significantly to job creation, skills development, and industrial innovation.
President Mnangagwa said the pasta production line will directly reduce Zimbabwe’s reliance on imports, as the country currently consumes around 5 000 tons of the paste monthly, much of which is imported.
“The pasta line, with its 1 200-ton monthly capacity and ability to process 1 500 tons of locally produced wheat each month, will help close the import gap,” he said, adding that Zimbabwe’s recent attainment of wheat self-sufficiency makes the project even more significant.
He challenged National Foods to maintain a 24-hour production schedule to maximise output, save foreign currency, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s role as a regional food supplier.
“It is impressive that to date, National Foods exports to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. I challenge the Group to expand these markets. My Government will support you in this regard,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended investors and stakeholders who made the milestone possible and underscored his administration’s continued commitment to improving the ease of doing business under the mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for business.”
Speaking at the same event, National Foods chief executive officer Mike Lashbrook commended the Government for creating an enabling environment that has allowed local industries to thrive and expand.
“We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the Government’s efforts in building an ideal operating environment that promotes investment and business confidence,” he said.
Lashbrook said National Foods remains a consumer-driven organisation, firmly focused on meeting the evolving needs of the Zimbabwean market. “At the core of our business is the consumer. Our aim is simple, to satisfy our customers by providing safe, nutritious and affordable food products,” he said.
He added that the newly commissioned facilities are a direct response to consumer demands and national economic goals, stressing that National Foods is aligning its growth strategy with the broader developmental agenda of the country.
New Ziana
