Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
THE country’s steel production has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven largely by increased output at Manhize’s Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco).
After the commissioning of the steel plant by President Mnangagwa two years ago, the company is now supplying both local and regional markets, with exports reaching countries across Southern Africa.
This expansion supports President Mnangagwa’s re-industrialisation agenda under the Second Republic, positioning steel as a key driver of national infrastructure development.
As a US$1,5 billion investment, Disco has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s steel sector, boasting an annual production capacity of 600 000 tonnes.
As the country advances the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the mining sector is expected to play a central role in driving economic growth, supported by a deliberate shift towards value addition and domestic beneficiation of mineral resources.
In an interview, construction expert and businessman Dr Tinashe Manzungu said the Second Republic has seen a surge in steel production, a product vital for the construction sector.
He noted that as Zimbabwe’s construction sector continues to grow, steel is emerging as a key driver of this momentum.
“The country’s steel production has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven largely by increased output at Manhize’s Dinson Iron and Steel Company. The establishment of Disco came at the right time when the country’s steel industry is expanding, providing a reliable supply of this versatile and sustainable material to meet the increasing demand for infrastructure development,” he said.
Dr Manzungu added that from towering skyscrapers and sprawling buildings to bridges and housing projects, steel is playing a vital role in shaping Zimbabwe’s construction landscape.
Its strength, durability and cost-effectiveness, he said, make it an ideal choice for builders and developers.
“Locally produced steel is the backbone of modern construction. Its versatility and sustainability are unmatched, making it the go-to material for architects and engineers,” said Dr Manzungu.
With the Government’s focus on infrastructure development and housing, he said, the future looks bright for Zimbabwe’s steel industry.
“As production at Disco increases, prices are expected to become more competitive, making steel an even more attractive option for builders,” said Dr Manzungu.
Economist Mr Trust Chikohora said steel production is set to become one of the largest contributors to gross domestic product and foreign currency earnings.
“The push by the Second Republic for value addition of minerals is commendable as mining companies are now expected to shift towards beneficiation before export, in line with broader industrialisation and economic transformation objectives under NDS2.
“Disco project has established integrated processing operations that convert locally mined iron ore into finished steel products. The project has created employment underscoring the link between value addition and job creation,” he said.
He commended the Government for creating an enabling environment that has attracted investments like Disco.
Disco project director Mr Wilfred Motsi said the company has aligned its operations with the Government’s beneficiation policy, producing steel products locally instead of importing the raw material.
“Disco is one of the pioneer companies which supported and has been proactive in response to the President’s call for value addition. We are mining iron ore, but we’re not exporting it as raw material. We have pig iron, which is further value-added to produce pig billets,” he said.
Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries chief operations officer, Mr Dosman Mangisi, welcomed the development, saying it aligns with Vision 2030.
“The Second Republic’s efforts have created an environment conducive to investments like Disco, opening up opportunities for our sector and upstream industries,” he said.
Mr Mangisi said the growth of the steel industry is expected to create new opportunities for local businesses, from manufacturing and fabrication to construction and engineering.
“As Zimbabwe builds towards a brighter future, steel is set to remain at the heart of it all,” he said.
