Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE multi-million-dollar Cut Rag Processing (Pvt) Limited tobacco plant, commissioned by President Mnangagwa on Wednesday, stands as a milestone in Zimbabwe’s re-industrialisation drive, showcasing advanced manufacturing systems aligned with the country’s modernisation agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the state-of-the-art plant reflected the strong performance of Zimbabwe’s economy and the solid gains recorded in recent years.
The event was attended by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and several Cabinet Ministers, including Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“The Cut Rag processing plant stands as an example of cutting-edge manufacturing excellence, one that embraces the whole industrial revolution. The integration of architectural intelligence for real-time quality monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy optimisation demonstrates the development’s modernisation drive, which will challenge the industry to embrace the benefits,” said the Minister.
He said the deployment of world-class machinery will boost production capacity while positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive and technologically advanced player in both regional and international tobacco value chains.
“Your Excellencies, this investment helps create positive spillover effects for our farmers, for transporters, for packaging suppliers, engineers, and mechanics who form part of the supporting ecosystem.
“This, Your Excellencies, is a simple demonstration of how the Zimbabwe economy has been growing at a rate higher than it appears in the region,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu also credited President Mnangagwa’s leadership for creating a conducive environment for investment and acknowledged the role of the Agriculture Ministry and farmers in expanding tobacco output.
“It is, Your Excellencies, your leadership that is making the difference.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, today we celebrate more than just the factory.
“We celebrate more than just the partnership and the global realisation of modern investment in Zimbabwe.
“I wish to truly acknowledge the tremendous work done by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Anxious Masuka, and, through you, the hard-working farmers across the country in driving tobacco farming globally to a level we could not have reached before.
“The level of production is growing year after year, and this simply translates into increased output,” he said.
He further applauded the President’s transformation of key economic sectors, noting the country’s growing capacity in agriculture, mining, and tourism.
“Our guest of honour has carved a great niche into a food-secure country, now producing a wealth surplus that creates downstream opportunities for agricultural value-addition investments.
“Because of the guest of honour, the country has experienced phenomenal investments in manufacturing sectors,” he said.
“Today, with its launch, Zimbabwe is open for business. This has seen our economy come alive after more than two decades of isolation, and it has achieved its self-belief and pride in Zimbabwe.”
“As a consequence, it reminds us that it is only we, Zimbabweans, who have the responsibility in the name of building the future of agriculture.”
Minister Ndlovu said the Second Republic has created a foundation for sustained development across infrastructure, industry revival, governance reforms, and national cohesion.
“This philosophy by Zimbabwe is a blessing to all and an end to the demands of both engaged and disengaged growth that the guest of honour represents. It is clear that there are further opportunities for growth to expand and to change,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka highlighted the robust growth of the tobacco sector since 2018, saying the country aimed to raise value addition and beneficiation by 30 percent by 2025.
“This sector, like any other, is growing very, very fast,” he said.
“We have seen an increase in capacity by 47 percent since 2014,” he added.
Cut Rag Processors managing director Mr Leslie Malunga said the company has broadened its market reach and strengthened its technological capacity over the years.
“Each step of that journey has been guided by one principle—value creation through local processing.
“Your Excellency, the facility we are commissioning today represents the realisation of that long-term vision. This investment is a modern, fully automated plant equipped with world-class technology. It increases our capacity to process tobacco for both local and export markets,” he said.
He emphasised the plant’s significance in empowering people across the tobacco value chain and supporting the Government’s tobacco transformation agenda.
“As Cut Rag Processors, we are also proud to align our growth with the Government’s industrialisation and rural empowerment agenda. We are also fully committed to sustainability—implementing reforestation programmes, energy-efficient curing technologies, and climate-smart agricultural practices that safeguard the future of the sector,” he said.
Mr Malunga reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaborating with Government and industry stakeholders.
“Your Excellency, we extend our deepest appreciation to you and your Government for the consistent support given to the tobacco industry and for promoting local beneficiation.
“On behalf of the Board, management, and staff of Cut Rag Processors, I reaffirm our commitment to excellence, innovation, and partnership—working hand in hand with all stakeholders to ensure Zimbabwe remains a global leader in tobacco production and processing.
“As we officially open this plant today, we celebrate not only our company’s journey but the spirit of Zimbabwean enterprise and resilience that continues to drive our nation forward,” he said.
