Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s ambition to become a continental steel powerhouse has received a major policy boost, with the Government restricting the importation of selected steel products to protect and support local manufacturers.
The move, gazetted under Statutory Instrument 46 of 2025, amends the Control of Goods (Open General Import License) regulations and now requires importers to apply for licenses before bringing specified steel products into the country.
This development is widely viewed as a strategic intervention to support the country’s fast-growing steel industry, particularly the massive Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) project in Manhize.
DISCO, which is already producing steel bars in its first phase, is projected to output 600 000 tonnes annually. This is expected to increase to 1,2 million tonnes and eventually reach 5 million tonnes, positioning Zimbabwe among Africa’s leading steel producers.
In an interview with Sunday News yesterday, Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu said the statutory instrument updates the long-standing 1974 regulation to include key steel categories such as flat-rolled steel under 600mm in width, hot-rolled and forged bars and rods, steel angles, and structural sections.
“We have the largest steel plant in Sub-Saharan Africa at a time when neighbouring countries like South Africa are facing challenges in their steel sectors. We, therefore, need to stop speculative imports that undermine our local capacity,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He added that the measure would help curb the influx of steel from countries such as Zambia, which has imposed tariffs on Zimbabwean products, creating an uneven playing field. He noted that Zimbabwe has been importing steel from Zambia over the past two years.
Minister Ndlovu explained that by removing the “open” aspect of the import license, the Government will now require importers to justify their need to bring in steel products.
“When we say ‘open general import license’, it’s no longer open. You have to apply for a license, which allows us to engage with those seeking to import steel products and understand their reasons for doing so.
“This gives us a better grasp of market dynamics and enables us to protect our emerging local steel value chain. We believe that many applicants will not have justifiable reasons for importing,” he said.
He emphasised that the new regulation is a tool to safeguard the local industry and promote the growth of the domestic steel value chain.
The policy shift has been widely welcomed across industrial sectors.
Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries (ZIF) Chief Operations Officer and Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe Secretary-General, Mr. Dosman Mangisi, described it as “a critical step” in shielding the domestic economy from unnecessary imports.
“It is very important in protecting the local economy in the iron and steel industry. Reducing imports into the country is critical and this will allow Zimbabwe to increase its exports as local production of steel is on the rise,” he said.
Mr. Mangisi also noted that promoting import substitution would help conserve foreign currency and protect emerging local manufacturers from foreign competition.
Dr Shynet Chivasa, a business analyst at Lupane State University, echoed these sentiments, saying the timing of the statutory instrument supports Zimbabwe’s broader industrialisation agenda.
He said the policy promotes local value addition, attracts investment in manufacturing, and fosters the creation of sustainable employment.
“This move by Government supports local industries through value addition, potentially giving local producers a competitive advantage. It encourages investment in the steel and manufacturing sectors and aligns with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, including promoting sustainable jobs.”
Former Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter Vice-President and businessman Mr. Louis Herbst praised the targeted nature of the new import restrictions, saying regulating key imports is essential to strengthening local manufacturing.
“As an industrialist and innovation activist, I believe this is a strategic move. The inclusion of specific products in the First Schedule, particularly flat-rolled products and various forms of iron and non-alloy steel, reflects a well-considered approach to regulating imports critical to our manufacturing sector,” he said.
“I fully support the objectives of the Control of Goods (Open General Import Licence) (Amendment) Notice, 2025, and urge policymakers to ensure that the implementation of these regulations is balanced with the needs of industry.”
Mr. Herbst added that a collaborative approach involving stakeholders will be key to navigating the complexities of the new framework while fostering an environment that promotes innovation and sustainable industrial growth.
