Online Reporter
Skhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE food production sector created more jobs than any other manufacturing segment last year, according to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI).
The influential lobby group said the industrial sector registered a 16 percent net employment growth in 2025, as strong output and revenue gains supported hiring by companies.
In a post on its X platform, CZI said that food manufacturing outpaced all other manufacturing segments in 2025, with the hiring spree backed by solid fundamentals across the value chain.
“Zimbabwe’s food production sector outpaced every other manufacturing subsector in job creation in 2025, posting +16 percent net employment growth,” CZI noted.
According to CZI, the sector’s expansion was not just about jobs. Food producers also recorded 18 percent growth in output and 19 percent growth in revenue during the year.
“The hiring spree tracks with strong fundamentals: food production also recorded 18 percent growth in output and 19 percent growth in revenue,” the industry body said.
The performance reflects increased capacity utilisation, improved access to raw materials and rising demand for locally processed foods as consumers and retailers prioritise local content.
Products ranging from mealie meal and flour to cooking oil, beverages, and dairy contributed to the gains.
Industry analysts say the 16 percent employment growth is significant because food manufacturing is labour-intensive and spread across urban and rural areas.
New jobs were created on production lines, in packaging, distribution and at depots, helping absorb youth and semi-skilled labour.
CZI has consistently pushed for policies that protect local manufacturers while improving competitiveness.
The 2025 figures suggest that measures to promote local procurement, curb illicit imports, and support input supply are translating into real jobs.
With food security and import substitution remaining national priorities, the sector’s momentum is expected to continue into 2026.
However, players say sustained growth will depend on a stable power supply, affordable financing and predictable policy on inputs like maize, wheat and cooking oil.
The strong performance in the food production segment also boosts the Government’s industrialisation and employment creation agenda in line with the National Development Strategy 2.
As the largest employer within manufacturing, food production’s expansion could have a multiplier effect on farming, transport and retail.
CZI said it will continue to engage the Government and stakeholders to maintain a conducive operating environment so manufacturers can keep investing, increase output, and hire more Zimbabweans.
