Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
President Mnangagwa has commended Zimbabwe’s private sector for actively supporting the Government’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda, citing National Foods’ new multi-million-dollar production facility as a prime example of this public-private synergy.
Speaking at the commissioning of National Foods’ large-scale breakfast cereals extrusion plant, biscuit manufacturing line and pasta facility in Harare yesterday, the President said such investments reflect the country’s capacity to produce what it consumes and its ability to compete on regional and global scales in terms of production and productivity.
“Today, we affirm that Zimbabwe has the capacity to produce what we consume and to compete regionally and globally, driven by strategic investments, innovative technology and patriotic resolve.
“It is my strong belief that initiatives such as this one will accelerate our journey towards Vision 2030, bringing economic prosperity, improved livelihoods and national pride.
“Let us, therefore, continue to work together to support initiatives that uphold our sovereignty, empower ourselves and build a sustainable and self-reliant Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Second Republic, he said, was ushering in a resilient and modern food industry that advances the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals one and two.
SDG1 speaks to ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, while SDG2 stresses the need to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
“It is everyone’s goal to ensure that nutritious, affordable food options are accessible to all Zimbabweans, while supporting the well-being of families and lifting our citizens out of poverty into prosperity.
“I acknowledge and thank our investors, partners and all stakeholders whose support and confidence have made this venture possible,” he said.
In this respect, the President said Government stood ready to continue improving the country’s business environment, in line with the mantra “Zimbabwe is open for business”.
On that same note, he went on to emphasise the importance of locally produced goods.
“Investments like the one being commissioned today exemplify the importance of local content and value addition.
“By transforming raw agricultural produce into finished goods locally, we promote economic empowerment, deepen self-sufficiency and develop local industries.
“This is our pathway to building an economy that benefits Zimbabweans, not relying on imports.
“They demonstrate that with strategic partnerships, Government support and the resilience of our people, our motherland can produce what we need and compete at both regional and global levels,” said President Mnangagwa.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has realised self-sufficiency in the production of wheat, which is a key raw material in pasta production.
The country currently consumes about 5 000 tonnes of pasta per month, most of which is imported.
President Mnangagwa said it was, therefore, timely that the National Foods pasta line, established at a cost of US$6 million, was covering the import gap.
The plant produces approximately 1 200 tonnes of short-cut pasta monthly, with an additional capacity of 2 tonnes per hour and this line will consume around 1 500 tonnes of locally produced wheat each month.
“This is applauded and will go a long way to support Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imported pasta.
“I urge the company to continue on its strategic trajectory and ensure that you operate around the clock, which will in turn increase output and save the country foreign currency,” he said.
With such investments, the President added, Zimbabwe could now meet local demand and strengthen its position as a regional supplier.
“It is impressive that to date, National Foods exports to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa,” said President Mnangagwa.
He then threw a challenge at National Foods.
“I challenge the Group to expand these markets, towards promoting regional integration, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic diplomacy.
“My Government will support you, in this regard,” said President Mnangagwa.
On the National Foods’ modern breakfast cereal plant, which has a targeted capacity of 800 tonnes per month, the President said it was a game changer.
“It will enable our country to locally produce fortified, high-quality cereals, ensuring consistent safety and nutritional standards.
“With a targeted investment totalling US$7 million, this plant will utilise around 15 000 tons of maize annually, directly supporting our farmers, thereby stimulating further production and productivity in the agriculture sector.
“This move reduces reliance on imported cereals and foreign currency outflows, while increasing our regional competitiveness,” said the President.
Similarly, the National Foods biscuit production line, one of the most advanced large-scale biscuit manufacturing facilities in Zimbabwe, exemplifies the country’s ongoing drive towards industrial innovation and self-sufficiency.
With a capacity to produce up to 1 300 tonnes of biscuits per month, the plant employs cutting-edge technology and produces a variety of biscuits.
“Congratulations,” said President Mnangagwa. “The new plant demonstrates the commitment by National Foods, to job creation and skills development, which are all vital for inclusive economic growth.
“At the heart of this project is our ongoing pursuit of food security and improved nutrition.
“Increased local food production ensures that our communities have reliable access to nutritious food, aligning with our agricultural development goals. It is vital that we grow what we eat and eat what we grow, taking control of our food systems for the well-being of our people.
“I want to commend the Government, the private sector and especially the farmers whose produce makes all this possible.”
President Mnangagwa had nothing but praise for the facility.
“This production facility is a beacon of efforts towards economic development and industrialisation.
“It embodies our collective ambition of building a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe, sector by sector.
“As Zimbabweans, we can harness our own resources, to foster the growth of local agro-industries through value addition and the requisite support to our farmers,” he said.
The President said through such initiatives, the country was advancing the building of a diversified and sustainable economy, where value addition thrives and industries drive economic growth for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
“I commend the Board and shareholders for their confidence in the policies of the Second Republic and the prevailing conducive business environment,”
“Today’s developments speak to the ever growing need to value-add our plentiful agricultural produce, strengthen our economy and support the livelihoods of our people.
“These projects are aligned with the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, National Development Strategy and the broader national Vision 2030,” said President Mnangagwa.
On his part, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said as the parent minister he was delighted to witness such initiatives by companies under his purview.
“Today we celebrate the accomplishments of National Foods while accelerating our vision,” he said.
Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tavengwa said the dedication of the Second Republic was unparallelled.
“As Harare, we are excited to be here,” he said.
National Foods chief executive officer Mr Mike Lashbrook expressed the company’s confidence in the Second Republic’s business-oriented policies.
The commissioning was attended by ministers, captains of industry and senior Government officials.
Peter Tanyanyiwa