Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
THE Mutapa Investment Fund has invested over US$70 million into value addition initiatives aimed at transforming Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth into domestic agricultural inputs, contributing towards industrialisation and reduced import dependency.
Speaking at the ongoing CEO Africa Roundtable in Victoria Falls, Mutapa Investment Fund Chief Investment Officer Mr Simba Chinyemba outlined the strategic shift from raw mineral exports to beneficiated products, reaffirming that the Fund remains anchored in accountability and intergenerational wealth creation.
Mr Chinyemba revealed that the Fund has so far deployed and committed approximately US$69 million towards industrial revival.
This includes an immediate injection of US$9 million, a US$30 million commitment to resuscitate critical chemical manufacturing, and another US$30 million dedicated to revitalising agricultural industries.
“We are moving up the value chain. Our vision is to create a better future for all Zimbabweans by managing assets for intergenerational wealth creation. We do not want to remain at the bottom of the value chain,” said Mr Chinyemba.
He highlighted the economic paradox facing the nation, noting that in 2025, Zimbabwe exported about 1.4 million tonnes of raw lithium ore while importing nearly all its finished batteries.
“We export heavy raw materials and import light, finished goods. Value tends to accrue as products become lighter and more technologically advanced. Our strategy is to ensure our extraction industries export towards the lighter end of the spectrum,” he said.
A significant portion of the investment targets the agricultural inputs value chain, specifically fertiliser manufacturing.
Mr Chinyemba said the Fund is investing in exploration and processing, including partnerships in coal bed methane, to enable domestic ammonia production for fertilisers.
He also confirmed that the Rothmore mill is set to resume production by end of April.
On governance, Mr Chinyemba emphasised accountability over independence.
“You want Mutapa to be accountable to the people, not to individual whims. We have a purely professional board with no politicians. We report quarterly to Parliament, and our governance framework meets international standards scrutinised by institutions like the World Bank and IMF,” he said.
Mr Chinyemba said the Fund’s legal framework, anchored by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act and Finance Act, ensures Mutapa remains a vehicle for national development, safeguarding Zimbabwe’s resources for future generations.
