Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE’S fast-moving consumer goods giant, Mega Market, is set to establish an additional 450-tonne-per-day wheat mill, 200-tonne-per-day maize mill, noodle manufacturing line, and trailer assembly facility in Mutare to serve both local and export markets.
The company is focusing on supplying its products throughout the SADC region.
Only last Saturday, President Mnangagwa commissioned a US$23 million advanced flour mill at Mega Market.
Speaking during the commissioning of the mill, Mega Market managing director, Mr Shiraan Ahmed, said: “Your Excellency, on Mega Market’s side, I am pleased to announce that this is just the beginning. Given the implementation of the Africa Free Trade Agreement and the growing local demand, we have a number of multimillion-dollar projects in the pipeline.
“An additional 450-tonne-per-day wheat mill and 200-tonne-per-day maize mill, commissioning a noodle manufacturing line —right here where we are seated today are some of the projects.
“We are exploring further value-added projects, including cereals, pastas, and more. We are establishing a trailer assembly facility in Mutare to serve both local and export markets. Our vision is to supply these products throughout the region.”
The growth of Mega Market has also guaranteed the growth of small-scale industries in the same line of business, as well as the agricultural sector, particularly wheat producers.
Mr Ahmed said: “Since entering the market, we have empowered small-scale bakeries across Zimbabwe. With our flour, which is consistent, reliable and produces high-rising bread, bakeries can now bake with confidence and make a profit every time. That is our legacy. That is our promise.
“This season, Mega Market has contracted 40 992 metric tonnes of local wheat. It reflects our deep commitment to local value chains, to Zimbabwean farmers and to building an agro-industrial ecosystem that keeps value and jobs within our borders.”
The generation of employment has also been a key factor.
“Your Excellency, I am pleased to advise that we are currently running at 100 percent capacity utilisation on the plant that you have just commissioned.
During your last visit in May 2021, we employed 500 people. Today, we employ over 1 000 Zimbabweans directly, and thousands more indirectly. Of our workforce, over 60 percent are under the age of 40, a testament to your vision of youth-led growth,” he said.
The Mutare fast-moving consumer goods company has also played a significant role in providing a conducive learning environment for tertiary students in diverse technical vocations.
Mr Ahmed added: “We are also proud to partner with many Zimbabwean universities — including Manicaland State University, NUST, Africa University, and University of Zimbabwe — bringing on graduate trainees across engineering, food science and quality control.
“Our current millers and lab technicians came through these programmes — and today, they are top-tier professionals who can compete with any talent, anywhere in the world.
“Our milling equipment is state-of-the-art — not only comparable to, but in most cases exceeding, what you would find in first-world facilities. The fact that this level of technology exists right here in Mutare is not just remarkable — it is a catalyst for industrial renewal countrywide,” he said.
Apart from the investment in the milling plants, Mega Market has also invested significant financial resources in ensuring energy self-reliance.
“We are also proud to share that Phase 1 of our 4,2MW solar energy project is now complete, with 1,4MW already generating clean power.
“This is more than an investment in energy — it is an investment in Zimbabwe’s future. By reducing our reliance on the grid, we are not only strengthening our own operations — we are helping freeing up power for the population of Mutare, supporting homes, hospitals, and fellow industries.
“This is sustainability with purpose. It is industrial growth with national impact,” he said.
