Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera, Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
ZIMBABWE has earned US$2, 5 million from flower exports in the nine months to September, as the Government targets growing the floriculture industry to US$16 million by 2030. This represents a four percent increase from last year’s earnings of US$2,4 million.
Statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show the country earned US$2,526 million in the first three quarters of this year after exporting 1,4 million kilogrammes of flowers at an average price of US$1,79 per kilogramme.
Last year, US$2,42 million was received from the export of 1,4 million kg of flowers at US$1,67 per kg.
The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2) 2026–2030 projects the value of gross floriculture production to reach US$16 million by 2030, up from the current US$10 million.
“The floriculture sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, being a growing industry that requires niche marketing, modern infrastructure, climate-resilient practices and strong regulatory frameworks. The country expects to reach 334 million cuttings of flower production on 800 hectares by 2030, up from 193 million cuttings, generating US$16 million by 2030,” the document states.
The strategy seeks to modernise infrastructure, develop new markets, invest in modern greenhouses and irrigation systems, and expand cold storage facilities to improve flower production and quality.
“In addition, the strategy will encourage partnerships between private sector companies, Government agencies and smallholder farmers to drive sector growth through the “Hub and Spoke Model”. Furthermore, capacity-building of farmers, business advisors and industry stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge will be accelerated,” AFSRTS 2 notes.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) is optimistic that strategic policies will expand flower production. HDC board member Mr Willard Zireva, recently said floriculture output was projected to rise from 2 300 tonnes to 40 000 tonnes by 2030, driven by a 615 percent area expansion from 130 to 930 hectares.
“The earnings are also expected to rise to US$276 979 200,” he said.
The HDC said current summer flowers on 100 hectares are set to rise to 600, while roses on 30 hectares will increase to 330. An investment of US$45,6 million is required for this expansion.
“Such growth in production will create 4 650 new jobs and transform rural livelihoods across the nation,” Mr Zireva said.
An analysis of the floriculture sector in the past gives credence to this projection, as in the year ending June 2000, the country exported 19 488 tonnes of flowers worth US$89,65 million.
Zimbabwe exports cut flowers including Delphinium, Euphorbia, Liatris, Roses, Asters, Chrysanthemums, Carnations, Ammi majus, Statice, Protea, Chelone and Lysimachia.
