Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
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 an 18 percent growth in output and a 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.
