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Theseus Shambare
Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape is buzzing with the promise of significant job creation as AVM Africa, the country’s oldest bus manufacturer, gears up to restart large-scale assembly and venture into tractor production through a landmark agreement with a Belarusian company.
This development, welcomed by the Government, is poised to create much-needed employment opportunities and revitalise local industries, offering a tangible boost to the nation’s economy.
The strategic decision to assemble vehicles locally, leveraging the recently commissioned Dinson Iron and Steel Company for locally produced steel in bus shell fabrication, a pivotal shift towards value addition within Zimbabwe.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu highlighted this potential during a tour at BiSON Agro Machinery company in Harare on Tuesday.
“Matter of fact, AVM and a Belarusian company have reached an agreement where we will start assembling buses. And progressively we will be moving into other units like tractors,” he said.
“This move not only directly creates jobs on the assembly lines but also fosters growth in supporting industries, from steel production to component manufacturing and logistics.”
The impact, Minister Ndlovu said, extends beyond vehicle assembly.
“The ongoing agricultural mechanisation programme, a cornerstone of the Zimbabwe-Belarus partnership, is set to expand also,” he said.
Belarusian Vice Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich announced ambitious targets, revealing that “more than 700 tractors, 80 harvesters, over 30 grain dryers will be delivered to Zimbabwe within the framework of 2025.”
The machinery, coupled with the establishment of local service centres and training programmes, will generate numerous jobs in maintenance, repair and agricultural operations.
Mr Karankevich emphasised the comprehensive approach, noting the focus on “service provision, spare parts provision and educational aspect where Zimbabwean specialists are being trained and educated on the grounds of the very service sector.”
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri underscored the crucial role of this collaboration in modernising Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
“We have mechanisation as one of our key enablers, and the support that we have gotten from Belarus is very much appreciated,” he said.
“We also noted that we must localise the production of these tractors and other pieces of machinery. So we are appreciative of the cooperation that we have with Belarus in the agro machinery space.
“The initiative promises to generate thousands of jobs across various skill levels from factory workers and technicians to agricultural mechanics and support staff.”
Online Reporter