President Mnangagwa to commission four AI-powered silos by mid-year

Theseus Shambare

PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA is expected to commission four artificial intelligence-powered grain silos with a combined holding capacity of 224 000 tonnes by mid-year, as the Government accelerates the modernisation of the country’s grain storage infrastructure.

The rollout of the high-tech silos marks a major milestone in the expansion of the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR), as Zimbabwe moves to reclaim its status as the breadbasket of the region.

Each of the four silos has a capacity of 56 000 tonnes and forms part of a broader nationwide programme integrating AI and internet of things (IoT) technologies into grain storage and management systems.

The facilities are part of a US$500 million-plus Government project being implemented across 21 Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots countrywide.

Once completed, the programme is expected to add 784 000 tonnes to the current national storage capacity of about 650 000 tonnes, bringing total capacity to around 1,4 million tonnes.

Currently, a bigger portion of grain is stored under less secure tarpaulin shelters.

During an inspection of strategic grain reserves at the GMB Aspindale depot on Wednesday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the expansion of the SGR, anchored in modern technologies, had been made a national priority.

“This has been put at the top of our priorities because food security is no longer a choice,” said Prof Jiri, adding that the drive is central to Zimbabwe’s long-term food resilience.

GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said two AI-powered silos have already been commissioned and handed over to the parastatal by President Mnangagwa, with more nearing completion.

“We already have two (Kwekwe and Mutare) that were commissioned and handed over to GMB by President Mnangagwa. We have Mvurwi, we have Mhangura, we have Timber Mills in Macheke and Plumtree, which we expect to be completed within this half,” said Dr Badarai.

Even if minor delays occur, he said, the silos would be commissioned shortly after mid-year, significantly boosting national storage capacity.

Beyond storage, Dr Badarai said GMB has strengthened its logistical capacity to support farmers ahead of the grain intake season.

“We now have 22 new trucks to facilitate aggregation and collection of grain, as well as 1 804 collection points.

“We are not only collecting at our 89 depots but also using these centres to help farmers reduce transport costs and enhance the profitability of agriculture,” he said.

Chief director for agricultural engineering, mechanisation and farm infrastructure development in the ministry Engineer Edwin Zimunga said the project is progressing well, with advanced technologies set to transform grain management.

He said the integration of IoT sensors will allow real-time monitoring of key parameters such as load levels, fleet movement, offloading processes and energy consumption.

“AI-driven systems will optimise storage and load management, automate building functions and implement quality control to detect grain spoilage,” said Eng Zimunga.

“Green depot technologies will further enhance efficiency through AI-driven energy management and smart energy metering.”

He said the modernisation programme will be extended to all existing depots, with the Government targeting a 1,5 million-tonne Strategic Grain Reserve.

“Once you have a 1,5-million tonne buffer, it can sustain the country for up to three years, ensuring food security for the vulnerable population and the nation as a whole,” added Eng Zimunga.

The commissioning of the AI-powered silos is expected to significantly improve grain security, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen Zimbabwe’s preparedness against climate-induced shocks.