Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
GOVERNMENT has designated three Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Mashonaland Central as it steps up efforts to transform the province into a modern agro-industrial hub, with the initiative expected to unlock investment, boost value addition and create new markets for farmers.
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo announced the development while officially opening the 2026 Mashonaland Central Agricultural Show in Bindura on Friday.
He said one of the zones would focus on the Mazowe agro-industrial and tobacco value chain in Mvurwi to attract investment and reduce costs.
“The Special Economic Zone focuses heavily on agricultural value chains through value addition and beneficiation of our produce,” he said.
Minister Magomo said the initiative dovetailed with this year’s show theme, “Supporting Vibrant Business for a Competitive Economy,” as Government moves to transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a competitive agribusiness sector.
He said Mashonaland Central remained Zimbabwe’s tobacco powerhouse after producing 125,9 million kilogrammes this season, accounting for about 30 percent of the country’s total output, while the province had also surpassed its winter wheat production target.
With the 2026/27 season forecast to be affected by El Niño, Minister Magomo urged farmers to adopt drought-tolerant seed varieties, conservation agriculture and climate-smart farming.
He said investments in irrigation and the upgrading of the Harare-Kanyemba Highway would improve market access and lower transport costs for agricultural produce.
Mashonaland Central Agricultural Show Society chairperson Mr Christopher Chingwaru said the annual exhibition continued to grow, attracting 77 major companies, 39 exhibitors and 220 farmers from the province’s seven districts.
“The show gives the province an opportunity to demonstrate what it is capable of producing while creating a platform for farmers, businesses and value chain players to exchange ideas and build partnerships,” he said.
Mr Chingwaru said the society had improved exhibition facilities and acknowledged support from the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Farmers City, NSSA and Freda Rebecca Gold Mine for sponsoring infrastructure, prizes and agricultural inputs.
Beyond the policy announcements and business exhibitions, ordinary farmers stole the spotlight as they celebrated victories earned through years of hard work and innovation.
One of the top winners, Ivy Paida Muvirimi from Mazowe, said she never imagined she would emerge victorious after being intimidated by the quality of exhibits from fellow competitors.
“I looked at other exhibits and thought mine were not good enough, but combining maize with traditional grains and vegetables made the difference. Winning has motivated me to work even harder for the national show in Harare,” she said.
Another winner, Tina Karimukore, said determination carried her through despite falling ill on the morning of the competition.
“I woke up with flu and almost decided not to come, but I pushed myself. This is my first time winning after previously finishing second and third. Now we are going to Harare aiming even higher,” she said.
A first-time provincial winner from Mazowe, Emelgilda Muvirimi said the recognition had exceeded her expectations.
“I am grateful to God because I never imagined I would win. It was my seeds, including Bambara nuts, maize and groundnuts, that earned me this honour. I now want to represent the province well at the national show,” she said.
Valley Seeds’ managing director Mr Aluis Chareka said Mashonaland Central had already demonstrated its agricultural strength by exceeding production targets.
He urged farmers to prepare for the anticipated El Niño season by embracing drought-tolerant seed varieties and seeking technical advice from extension officers.
The show brought together farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions and development partners, showcasing innovations expected to drive agricultural productivity while reinforcing Mashonaland Central’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading food-producing provinces.
