Online Reporter
Michael Tome,
Business Reporter
GOVERNMENT has called for increased private sector investment in the horticulture industry as it moves to transform Zimbabwe’s agriculture from a primary production activity into a fully integrated commercial value chain.
According to the Government, the scope targets critical segments such as cold-chain infrastructure, contract farming, food processing, fertiliser production, seed development and agricultural financing platforms.
This renewed push comes as horticulture (particularly blueberries) is emerging as one of the fastest-growing export segments. Export earnings from blueberries surged to more than US$50 million in 2025 from approximately US$1 million in 2018.
Speaking at an International Business Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said the rapid expansion of horticultural exports demonstrates Zimbabwe’s capacity to compete in premium global markets.
“The rapid growth of horticultural exports, particularly blueberries, has grown significantly from US$1 million in 2018 to over US$50 million in 2025. This confirms that Zimbabwe can compete successfully in premium international markets.
“We, therefore, invite greater investment into cold-chain systems, contract farming, food processing, fertiliser production, seed development and agricultural financing platforms. Our ambition is to transform agriculture from a production sector into a fully integrated commercial value chain,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector holds significant untapped potential but requires coordinated investment and policy support to scale.
According to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), blueberries are among the country’s fastest-growing horticultural exports, driven by favourable climatic conditions and a strategic early harvest window that allows Zimbabwean produce to enter international markets ahead of competitors.
However, inadequate long-term financing, high production and energy costs, and insufficient cold-chain logistics and transport infrastructure have been derailing sustained growth.
Patient capital is critical for horticulture, given the long maturation periods of crops such as blueberries, with the HDC noting that short-term bank lending models are ill-suited to the sector’s needs.
The HDC projects the sector’s annual export value will grow to US$2 billion in the next few years.
HDC operations manager, Mr Mandla Mataure, said: “Compared to our regional peers, Zimbabwe is a lot more advanced at producing horticultural products. Our efforts have resulted in significant growth; export volumes of high-value crops like blueberries, avocados and citrus continue to rise, creating jobs, attracting foreign currency and contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
“We are targeting a projected annual export value of US$2 billion. This goal reflects our commitment to growing the sector, capitalising on emerging opportunities, and increasing Zimbabwe’s global market share.
“Through outgrower schemes and smallholder development programmes, we are committed to revitalising Zimbabwe’s horticultural industry, delivering economic and social progress and ensuring a bright future for horticulture in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mataure.
Investment in cold-chain systems remains an urgent priority, as highly perishable products like berries, flowers and fresh produce require strict temperature control to meet international quality standards.
Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry is targeting significant expansion, with the HDC projecting increased blueberry production alongside diversification into avocados, citrus, flowers and macadamia nuts.
Players in the sector have long advocated for supportive policies, including incentives, export-friendly regulations and infrastructure development, to enhance investor confidence and unlock long-term capital inflows.
With global demand for fresh produce continuing to rise, Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector is well-positioned to become a major export pillar, provided investment flows into the full value chain and structural bottlenecks are addressed.
Government and industry leaders agree that deeper collaboration between public institutions, financiers and producers will be critical to sustaining growth and consolidating Zimbabwe’s foothold in high-value international markets.
