Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
Charles Humbato, a local councillor and the driving force behind Astie Natural Products, has issued a heartfelt appeal for machinery support to scale up his thriving baobab products enterprise.
Humbato’s company, which recently clinched the “Outstanding Baobab Products” accolade at the 2025 Harare Entrepreneur and Business Awards (HEBA), is already supplying local shops and vendors in Ruwa and surrounding areas. However, limited machinery is holding back further growth and job creation.
“We need support. We need machinery so that we can supply shops as far as Gwanda,” said Mr Humbato.
“It’s challenging right now because we have small machines.”
Since launching his business in 2019, Mr Humbato has transformed Astie Natural Products from a modest operation into a registered company with a diverse product line. The company’s offerings include:
– Baobab fruit juice
– Baobab coffee
– Porridge powder
– Vegetable soup
– Baobab nuts
– Shell tea bags
– Stockfeed
– Baobab oil
– Ginger drink
– Astie-wear (from baobab fibres)
– Tamarind drink (sika-sika)
– Traditional Maheu
Astie Natural Products’ innovation and leadership were recognised at the 2025 HEBA ceremony, where the award was presented by Hon. Rajeshkumar Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce.
The company also showcased its products at the Harare Agricultural Show 2025, attended by dignitaries including Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa.
“I started a business in baobab in 2019. All along, I have been working with individuals and tech shops all around. Then I found out that it was better to register with this company. Now we are a registered company,” Mr Humbato explained.
Zimbabwe is home to an estimated five million baobab trees, with the global baobab market projected to reach USD 7.21 billion by 2030. The country’s baobab sector is gaining momentum, with products ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics and textiles. Baobab powder and oil are especially sought after in international markets, driven by wellness and superfood trends.
Despite the promise, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) like Astie Natural Products face significant hurdles. Access to modern machinery is a major barrier, limiting production capacity and the ability to meet both local and export demand. Traditional financing is often out of reach due to collateral requirements, and government support, while available, is not always sufficient or easy to access.
“This could employ way more people if we acquire machinery to expand operations,” Mr Humbato emphasised, echoing the hopes of many Zimbabwean entrepreneurs.
Government initiatives, such as the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and Credit Guarantee Schemes, aim to improve SME access to finance and equipment.
Astie Natural Products is not just a business—it’s a potential engine for rural development. With expanded machinery, the company could create dozens of new jobs, support local farmers, and contribute to Zimbabwe’s export earnings. Mr Humbato’s extensive distribution network already reaches areas such as Mount Darwin and Guruve, demonstrating the scalability of his model.
Online Reporter