Vusumuzi Dube
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
2024 has been transformative for Zimbabwe’s steel industry, with Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in Manhize emerging as a cornerstone of industrialization and economic growth.
2024 marked a historic year for DISCO, with the completion and operationalization of the Manhize Steel Plant — now the largest steel producer in Zimbabwe and one of the biggest in Africa. The plant has significantly ramped up production, reaching an annual output of 1.2 million tonnes of steel, surpassing initial projections. This milestone has not only placed Zimbabwe on the global steel map but also reduced the nation’s reliance on steel imports, saving an estimated US$400 million annually.
In terms of employment creation, DISCO has directly employed over 3,500 Zimbabweans in skilled and semi-skilled positions. Indirect employment opportunities have benefited over 7,000 individuals, including those in supporting industries such as logistics, catering, and maintenance services.
One of the most notable contributions by DISCO in 2024 has been its investment in infrastructure development. The company spearheaded the construction of 100 kilometers of road networks connecting Manhize to key economic zones, easing transportation and logistics. Additionally, a 50-megawatt power plant was commissioned, ensuring energy self-sufficiency for the steel plant while contributing surplus energy to the national grid.
The Manhize community has also reaped significant benefits from DISCO’s corporate social responsibility programs. The company invested over US$5 million in community projects, including the construction of two modern schools, a state-of-the-art healthcare center, and the drilling of 15 boreholes to improve water access.
Zimbabwe is home to an estimated 40 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves, primarily located in the Midlands Province. With an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, DISCO is currently utilizing less than 1% of the country’s iron ore potential. This statistic underscores the vast opportunities still untapped and positions Zimbabwe as a future regional steel hub.
The downstream effects of DISCO’s operations have been equally impressive. Over 200 local small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) have been integrated into the steel value chain, supplying goods and services ranging from raw materials to transport and catering services.
As Zimbabwe progresses towards its Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, DISCO stands as a beacon of success in driving industrialization and economic independence. The government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment, supported by policies under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), has been instrumental in enabling such success stories.
The achievements of Dinson Iron and Steel Company in 2024 are not just a win for the company but a victory for Zimbabwe as a whole. The steel giant has not only proven its capacity to drive economic growth but has also shown the transformative power of foreign direct investment (FDI) when aligned with national development goals.
As we close 2024, the story of DISCO serves as a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, investor confidence, and collective commitment to national prosperity. Here’s to an even more prosperous 2025 for Zimbabwe’s steel industry and its people.
Online Reporter