Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in NEW DELHI, India
The Government’s ambitious plan to increase sugar production, value addition and beneficiation is taking shape with a projected investment of US$170 million into the Integrated Sugar Complex.
These grand plans were announced by executives from the Indian firm Platinum Crest Agro Ventures after paying a courtesy visit to Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is in India primarily for the 20th India Africa Business Conclave.
The project will encompass investments in the entire sugar production chain, including a power plant and ethanol production, and is set to become one of the largest and most advanced sugar factories in the region.
“Platinum Crest Agro Ventures Pvt Ltd, promoted by Indian entrepreneurs, will be signing a Letter of Intent with the Government of Zimbabwe to establish a landmark US$170 million Integrated Sugar Complex,” said Mr Nitin Kadam, the director of the company.
“This facility is poised to become one of the largest and most advanced sugar factories in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
“This project is not only a testament to the confidence of Indian industry in Zimbabwe’s vast potential, but also a concrete step in advancing the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to deepen India-Africa partnerships in agriculture, renewable energy and trade.”
This transformative project will position Zimbabwe as a sugar-surplus country, enhance renewable energy capacity, and unlock long-term economic growth.
It represents a flagship model of the India-Africa partnership, underscoring the strength of collaboration in building sustainable agro-industrial infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Jindal Group, Naveen Jindal, paid a courtesy call on the Vice President this morning to discuss their ongoing projects with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
ZESA and Jindal signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the refurbishment of Hwange Units 1 to 6, which could add up to 800MW to the national grid, with implementation modalities already in place.
“I am honoured to have met the Honourable Vice President Dr Chiwenga. We have an agreement in place with ZESA,” said Mr Jindal.
“The Vice President emphasised that when we start working in Zimbabwe, our efforts should benefit the country and local communities.
“He was also interested in corporate social responsibility initiatives that would support the communities where we would be operating. We agree with his vision, and it was quite a fruitful engagement.”
