Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer-Agribusiness
ZIMBABWE is emerging as a dynamic contender in the global high-value horticulture sector strategically focusing on premium products like blueberries and avocados, as it moves to elevate its horticulture industry to a US$2 billion status by 2030.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said this yesterday at the 13th edition of the Annual National Agribusiness Conference (ANAC) 2025, in a speech read on his behalf by Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, at the ongoing 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show (ZAS).
“Our agribusiness sector, particularly horticulture, holds the key to unlocking significant economic value, not only in ensuring national food and nutrition security, but also in boosting exports, creating jobs and fostering rural development.
“Horticultural exports such as blueberries, macadamia nuts and avocados have positioned Zimbabwe as a growing force in high-value niche markets,” he said.
The Government crafted the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) 2021-2025, which laid the groundwork for modernising agriculture through targeted interventions that enhance productivity, strengthen value chains and promote export-led growth.
“Under NDS1, Government has prioritised critical sectors such as horticulture because of their high potential to generate foreign currency, create employment and uplift rural communities.
“As we transition to NDS 2 (2026-2030), our focus will be on value addition and industrialisation of the agriculture sector. This means moving beyond primary production to establishing strong market linkages, processing industries and regional trade networks,” VP Chiwenga added.
He said NDS2 would also emphasise the use of digital technologies, improved logistics and sustainable irrigation infrastructure to ensure the country’s horticulture sector competes effectively on global markets.
Government also crafted the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (2020-2025) to complement NDS1 by creating an integrated framework for crop and livestock development, irrigation expansion and climate resilience.
“In order to integrate both commercial and smallholder farmers into export-driven value chains, the Government crafted the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan (HRGP), which provides structured support for fruit and vegetable production, financing for smallholder farmers and facilitation of contract farming arrangements with private players.
“Through partnerships with ZimTrade and the Horticulture Development Council (HDC), Government is providing farmers with market information, capacity building and support to meet international certification standards such as Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure that our exports are competitive on the global market,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said Government was committed to developing agricultural export hubs and cold-chain logistics systems to reduce post-harvest losses, currently accounting for up to 30 percent of horticultural output.
“By improving storage, packaging and transportation, Zimbabwe can unlock the full value of its horticultural products while ensuring consistency and reliability in international markets.
“Additionally, by embracing mechanisation and digital innovation, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to compete effectively in regional and international horticultural markets,” the VP said.
ZimTrade operations director, Mr Similo Nkala, said demand for country’s horticultural products was growing on the global market due to the sustainable production practices farmers use.
“Zimbabwe’s blueberries are highly sought after globally due to their taste and production practices and the time they hit the markets.
“According to mirror data from Trade statistics for international business development (TradeMap), the country exported horticulture products worth US$176 million last year with berries accounting for US$58 million,” he said.
Mr Nkala called on the country to exploit trends in global markets such as e-grocery, QR codes, branded packs, ocean freight, cold chain reliability, alternative routes and risk management under logistics and resilience.
