Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu in Gaborone, Botswana
Retired civil servant and successful Gweru-based farmer and entrepreneur, Ms Matilda Manhambo of Manhambo Investments, a beneficiary of Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme, has expanded her agricultural ventures to Botswana, where she has established a thriving farming project after receiving land and official approval from the neighbouring country.
Trading as “Kupfuma Ishungu Farm,” Manhambo Investments has established a strong presence in horticulture, celebrating a successful farming journey while now setting its sights on lucrative export opportunities within the region and beyond.
The grand breakthrough to Botswana is a positive outcome of cordial bilateral diplomatic relations between Gaborone and Harare, and consistent follow-up engagements with the Botswana government.
Ms Manhambo first met former Botswana President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, during the tour of Zimbabwean stands at the 2023 Global Expo Botswana, and this was followed up by engagements leading to the project breakthrough. Through ZimTrade facilitation and the use of market intelligence surveys, she has participated in different expos in the region. Her company now runs a foreign subsidiary, “Manhambo Ya Temo”, which produces a range of horticulture products such as potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, butternuts, watermelons, peas, onions, carrots, among others.
“We were given the land in the Malala area to start producing by the Botswana government in January this year. We quickly moved in and by April this year we started planting,” said Ms Manhambo in an interview in Gaborone, where she was part of 20 local businesses exhibiting at this year’s expo.
“We officially launched the project on 27 July 2025, with senior Botswana government officials, representatives from the Zimbabwean embassy, and local traditional leaders in attendance. We are thrilled about this positive development, and the Botswana government has offered us full support.
“On launch day, we had 100 top-quality cabbages along with other produce. Already, we’re supplying the Botswana market and working with registered retail traders,” she said.
Ms Manhambo described their business expansion as an inspiring success story and hinted at plans to venture into value-addition initiatives to diversify operations.
She added that they are collaborating closely with key Botswana agencies and engaging a consultant to ensure the farm runs efficiently and sustainably.
“We were given 30ha of land for starters, but we have been promised up to 100ha, and we’ll utilise this and export more as we do in Zimbabwe. There are also plans to set up a farming training school to share skills with locals,” she said.
Marketing and sales director, Mrs Gracious Shumba, expressed excitement over the business’s rapid growth. She revealed that 30 percent of their produce is already being procured by the Botswana government through its agencies, in addition to enjoying various tax incentives in recognition of their investment.
Ms Manhambo added that they will continue operating their businesses both in Zimbabwe and Botswana, leveraging their expertise to expand exports and strengthen regional trade.
Having served in Government for 36 years and a holder of a diploma in accounting, Ms Manhambo joined the public service as a clerk in the Department of Research and Specialist Services under the Ministry of Agriculture.
She rose through the ranks to become a senior executive officer.
Riding the wave of the Second Republic’s economic diplomacy agenda, Ms Manhambo exemplifies how determination and productive farming can transform lives. She believes that farming is not just a vocation, but a business capable of generating wealth and creating employment opportunities for the nation.
Under President Mnangagwa’s economic diplomacy initiatives, Zimbabwe continues to record positive growth in exports, reflecting a global market increasingly receptive to Zimbabwean products.
