Online Reporter
Judith Phiri Zimpapers Business Hub
Sable Park Estates has identified land on which poultry and citrus value chains will be established under its US$22 million investment plan for 2026, as the company leverages incentives available under Zimbabwe’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) framework.
Zimbabwe’s SEZs are designated investment areas offering tax incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and boost export-led growth. The zones are administered by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).
Speaking recently at the Community Economic Empowerment Trusts (CEETs) Policy Dissemination Workshop in Bulawayo, Sable Park Estates inclusive business model lawyer Mr Rangu Nyamurundira said 1 000 hectares have been identified for the SEZ, within which poultry and citrus value chains will be developed.
“As we continue to incentivise on SEZs, for our US$22 million investment plan for 2026, 1 000 hectares have been identified for an SEZ within which poultry and citrus value chains will be established,” he said.
Mr Nyamurundira said the SEZ, which will operate under the investment vehicle SABLE PARK SEZ, will contribute significantly to the Horticulture Development Council (HDC) Hub-and-Spoke Model, which targets the growth of Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector into a US$2 billion industry.
“This initiative has direct support from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,” he said.
He said the SABLE PARK SEZ will process between 65 and 80 tonnes per hectare, while also integrating logistics and dry port services, fertiliser manufacturing, solar energy production, as well as housing and infrastructure development.
Providing an update on Sable Park’s business and investment model, Mr Nyamurundira said sustainable, localised enterprise development was key to unlocking investment opportunities and driving rural industrialisation.
“The business ecosystem comprises a localised network of agents — including producers, suppliers, distributors, customers and Government agencies — all involved in delivering a specific product or service through both competition and cooperation,” he said.
“This ensures we can thrive within the SEZ environment. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce must put in place policy interventions and incentives that promote the establishment of industrial value chains.”
On poultry investments, Mr Nyamurundira said the current CEETs value stands at US$4 million. In 2025, 5.2 million broilers were placed through 80 contract farmers, with US$25 million worth of inputs injected into the community.
“For 2026, by February there will be an abattoir upgrade to process 4 500 birds per hour, with the potential to handle 300 000 birds per week, up from 100 000, at a cost of US$1.2 million,” he said.
“By March, there will be a new spiral and ammonia plant capable of processing four tonnes per hour at a cost of US$1.3 million, as well as a 1.2-megawatt solar project valued at US$1.1 million.”
He said by August, environmentally controlled growing houses capable of producing 66 000 birds per week for the fast-food market will be established at a cost of US$5.07 million.
“By December 2026, there will also be a commercial veterinary laboratory, training and demonstration centre at a cost of US$1.4 million, with at least US$10.7 million in investment capital budgeted for growth,” he said.
On citrus investment, Mr Nyamurundira said the current CEETs share value is US$1 million, with 100 hectares already under production by two local farmer beneficiaries, representing an investment value of US$3 million.
“The Hub-and-Spoke Model for the citrus industry presents an opportunity to plant 400 hectares of citrus by 2027, with an investment cost of US$12 million at approximately US$30 000 per hectare,” he said.
He said the 400 hectares would create opportunities for an on-site packhouse and juicing plant, while enabling CEETs to secure its own citrus land.
“This is guaranteed to generate at least US$50 000 in rental income per year for every 100 hectares,” he said.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu