Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in New Delhi, India
ZIMBABWE has scored big at the India Africa Business Conclave, which ends today, with a delegation led by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga securing a landmark partnership that promises to revitalise the country’s vehicle production industry.
Willovale Motor Industries has signed an agreement with renowned Indian vehicle manufacturer — Ashok Leyland — specialising in trucks and buses manufacturing, for the assembly of Ashok vehicles in Zimbabwe.
The agreement, which initially began in 2021 but stalled, was renewed in 2024 and now has finally reached a full assembly contract, with operations set to commence by January next year.
The final signature to this long muted partnership is expected to provide a major boost to Zimbabwe’s automotive sector, creating jobs and enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.
It is also in sync with Government efforts to foster self-sufficiency in possible facets of the economy and reduce reliance on imports.
“Zimbabwe and India’s economic cooperation continues to grow from strength to strength as epitomised by today’s signing of the agreement, which we have just witnessed between Willowvale Motor Industries and Ashok Leyland for vehicle assembly in Harare,” said VP Chiwenga.
“This is a landmark achievement, an example of how strategic partnerships create value chains, jobs and growth.
“Let me outline what Zimbabwe seeks to achieve and bring to this partnership. We are seeking partnerships to grow our economy through the creation of value chains and beneficiation, leveraging on our comparative advantage as an investment destination of choice,” said VP Chiwenga.
In addition to the automotive agreement, there are brighter prospects for the sugar industry on the back of funders’ interest in a US$170 million sugar production project.
Platinum Crest Agro Ventures are the firm eyeing investment in Zimbabwe with the project envisaged to encompass the entire value chain.
On full implementation, the investment is anticipated to transform Zimbabwe’s sugar industry, generating economic opportunities for local farmers and increasing overall productivity.
“Platinum Crest Agro Ventures Pvt Ltd, promoted by Indian entrepreneurs, will be signing a Letter of Intent with the Government of Zimbabwe to establish a landmark USD 170 million Integrated Sugar Complex,” said Director of the company Mr Nitin Kadam.
“This facility is poised to become one of the largest and most advanced sugar factories in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
“This project is not only a testament to the confidence of Indian industry in Zimbabwe’s vast potential but also a concrete step in advancing the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to deepen India-Africa partnerships in agriculture, renewable energy, and trade,” said Mr Kadam.
Yesterday, Vice President Chiwenga also welcomed Chairman of the Jindal Group Naveen Jindal for a courtesy call to discuss ongoing projects with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
ZESA and Jindal signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the refurbishment of Hwange Units 1 to 6, which could add up to 800MW to the national grid, with implementation modalities already in place.
“I am honoured to have met the Honourable Vice President Dr Chiwenga. We have an agreement in place with ZESA,” said Mr Jindal.
“The Vice President emphasised that when we start working in Zimbabwe, our efforts should benefit the country and local communities.
“He was also interested in corporate social responsibility initiatives that would support the communities where we will be operating. We agree with his vision, and it was quite a fruitful engagement,” said Mr Jindal.
At the Conclave, VP Chiwenga addressed a dedicated country session where he made a compelling call for increased investment in Zimbabwe.
His engagement with potential investors included fielding several questions on investment.
