Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday commissioned Varun Beverages’ new Cheetos snacks manufacturing plant in Harare and laid the foundation stone for a new juice and dairy blending facility, describing the investments as a major boost to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive, job creation agenda and economic transformation.
President Mnangagwa said the latest US$20 million investment by Varun Beverages reflects growing investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy and policies, while positioning the country as a competitive manufacturing hub integrated into regional and global value chains.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, he said the local production of globally recognized brands such as Cheetos demonstrates Zimbabwe’s capacity to produce high-quality international products.
“It is my distinct pleasure to be part of another milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrialisation journey, here at Varun Beverages as we commission the new production plant of the world-famous Cheetos brand, here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The local production of such globally celebrated brands serve as an endorsement of the country’s economy, policies and ability to deliver high-quality, internationally competitive products.”
President Mnangagwa said the expansion of the manufacturing giant from a single production line with a capacity of about 10 million bottles per month eight years ago, to a world-class industrial complex with six production lines and a production capacity of nearly 120 million bottles monthly, highlights the success of Government-private sector collaboration.
He applauded the company for creating direct employment for nearly 2 000 people, while also empowering women and youth entrepreneurs through indirect economic opportunities.
“The company’s impressive growth strategy illustrates what can be achieved through consistency, sustained investment and strong collaboration between Government and the private sector,” he said.
He added that the investments are aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda aimed at transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy.
President Mnangagwa also urged companies to prioritize worker welfare, saying employees remain central to productivity, innovation and long-term business sustainability.
“Workers must therefore be appropriately taken care of,” he said.
He said the new juice and dairy blending facility will widen opportunities in the dairy, fruit and nutrition sectors while stimulating downstream economic activities.
He noted that Zimbabwe’s economy has continued to register steady growth since the opening of Varun Beverages’ first production line, averaging 5.5 percent annually.
“My Administration is on course to sustain the current momentum towards achieving structural transformation for equitable, broad-based and inclusive growth,” he said.
He said Government remains focused on domestic value addition, beneficiation, industrial diversification and job creation, with the manufacturing sector expected to grow by 3.4 percent as capacity utilisation surges beyond 60 percent.
He said Government has set aside resources to support industrial retooling, modernisation and working capital requirements, while improving the overall policy environment for businesses.
President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of quality assurance systems to enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness and protect consumers.
He also commended Varun Beverages for supporting rural livelihoods through maize sourcing and called on the company to integrate small-scale dairy farmers into its supply chains as it expands operations.
He welcomed the company’s planned investments in renewable energy generation estimated at 500 megawatts, saying the proposed solar projects in Matabeleland South, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West would accelerate rural industrialisation and green development.
“Zimbabwe is Open for Business and will continue to be a safe, secure and competitive investment destination,” he said.
He said that Cabinet recently approved the reduction of numerous regulatory fees, licences and compliance costs affecting sectors such as manufacturing, finance, real estate and healthcare as part of measures to stimulate investment and industrial growth.
“My Administration shall not hesitate to take bold decisions towards stimulating investment, multi-pronged industrial growth, job creation and broad-based empowerment that benefit our nation and people as a whole,” he said.
President Mnangagwa described the new manufacturing plant as a symbol of transformation and another building block towards achieving the Zimbabwe envisioned under Vision 2030.
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