Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT says Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will play a pivotal role in transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector by attracting investment into value addition, agro-processing and export-oriented production, with more such zones expected to be established across the country.
Speaking at the Hunyani Agro-Industrial Special Economic Zone Field Day last Friday, Lands and Rural Development Minister Dr Vangelis Haritatos said the Hunyani project represented a shift from supply-driven agriculture to demand-led manufacturing by creating reliable markets for farmers through local processing industries.
He said the development would stimulate economic activity while creating opportunities for Zimbabweans and foreign investors to participate along the agricultural value chain.
“Special Economic Zones bring factories, value addition and beneficiation closer to production areas,” said Minister Haritatos.
“Instead of farmers producing without guaranteed markets, these hubs create demand for agricultural products while opening opportunities in logistics, cold chain facilities, infrastructure development and processing.”
He said Zimbabwe had limited agricultural land despite having between 250 000 and 260 000 applications from people seeking farms, making investment along the value chain critical.
Minister Haritatos said the Government was working with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) to identify more SEZs across the country.
“We want every province to have Special Economic Zones that make economic sense and fit into the country’s long-term development master plan. The number of zones will ultimately be determined by investor demand,” he said.
The minister also urged beneficiaries of agricultural land to utilise it productively, saying land would only be repossessed where it remained idle or was required for projects of national importance.
“Our priority is productive land. If farmers are utilising their land responsibly and practising proper soil conservation, there is no reason for Government to downsize or repossess it,” he said.
“We want Zimbabwe to move from being a net importer of agricultural produce to becoming a strong net exporter.”
ZIDA chief investment promotion officer Ms Silibaziso Chizwina said the 2 600-hectare Hunyani Agro-Industrial Special Economic Zone, designated in October last year, was expected to become a model agro-industrial investment hub.
She said the project would be developed over 72 months and would combine crop production, processing industries and supporting infrastructure, while attracting both local and foreign investors.
“As an agency, we have already received expressions of interest from potential investors and will facilitate engagements with the developers.
“Our vision is for this to become a model Special Economic Zone showcasing efficient investment services, customs systems and agro-industrial development,” she said.
Ms Chizwina said the estimated US$201 million required to establish the zone covered the development of infrastructure, with additional investments expected from individual investors establishing businesses within the SEZ.
Farm owner Mr Peter Drummond said converting part of the property into a Special Economic Zone would unlock long-term investment that had previously been difficult to secure through conventional financing.
He said the project would initially focus on about 200 hectares, with proposed investments including solar energy generation, blueberry production, dairy farming and other export-oriented agricultural ventures before expanding in phases.
Mr Drummond said the initiative would allow the existing farming operations to continue while creating new opportunities for investment and employment in the district.
