Bongani Ndlovu
Harare, Zimbabwe-Varun Beverages Zimbabwe, together with its holding company RJ Corporation, continues to reaffirm its long-term confidence in Zimbabwe through major investments designed to strengthen the country’s economic fundamentals: energy security, agriculture, manufacturing, employment creation, and consumer growth.
Aligned with Vision 2030, under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, the company is projecting an additional US$650 million investment over the next three to four years across multiple strategic sectors.
Building the Foundations of Sustainable Growth
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe believes every strong economy is built on reliable infrastructure, productive agriculture, industrial capacity, and a thriving private sector working in partnership with the government.
1. Powering Zimbabwe Through Renewable Energy
In collaboration with RJ Corporation and INOX Energy, the company is supporting transformative investments in renewable energy, including a planned 500MW solar power project.
Private sector participation in power generation can significantly strengthen national energy self-sufficiency, reduce pressure on sovereign borrowing for energy imports and infrastructure, and unlock new industrial productivity across Zimbabwe. Reliable power remains one of the most important pillars for long-term economic growth, manufacturing competitiveness, and investor confidence.
2. Transforming Agriculture Through Corporate Partnerships
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is expanding its presence in beer production through the Carlsberg franchise, while growing its snacks portfolio under PepsiCo’s Cheetos brand.
To support local sourcing, the company is advancing backward integration strategies that assist Zimbabwean farmers in cultivating:
Barley and malt for brewing
Maize for snacks production
Other agricultural inputs for future food and beverage growth
Through joint efforts with farmers and the use of modern, drone-led mechanised farming, productivity and yields can be enhanced, helping Zimbabwe to strengthen food security. These initiatives can position Zimbabwe not only as a stronger domestic food producer but also as a future supplier to the wider Southern African region and Africa.
3. Creating Jobs Through Diversified Industrial Expansion
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe currently supports:
2,000+ direct employees
13,000+ indirect livelihoods
With expansion into beer, solar energy, juices, dairy blends, snacks, and other industries, the next phase of investment is expected to create thousands of additional jobs, potentially matching or exceeding current employment support levels.
Bringing Global FMCG Brands to Zimbabwe
The company also plans to bring more multinational FMCG franchises to Zimbabwe, delivering world-class consumer products either directly through Varun Beverages Zimbabwe, through RJ Corporation, or via strategic collaborations. This expansion would further strengthen Zimbabwe’s manufacturing base, retail sector, logistics ecosystem, and consumer choice.
Confidence in Zimbabwe’s Investment Climate
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe recognises the importance of government policies that continue. to keep Zimbabwe open for investment and supportive of industrial growth. Combined with Zimbabwe’s strategic economic development agenda, strong collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the private sector can help accelerate the country’s emergence as a regional economic power and one of Africa’s leading growth stories.
Zimbabwe and Africa’s Global Opportunity
Africa is increasingly positioned to become one of the world’s largest future consumer markets, while also serving as a major provider of food, services, talent, and industrial opportunity to the global economy. Zimbabwe, with its strategic location, resources, agriculture, and industrial potential, is well placed to play an important leadership role in that at future.
Appreciation to Zimbabwean Consumers.
The company expressed gratitude to the people of Zimbabwe for their continued trust and support of Its growing portfolio of products. The recently launched Cheetos range has already generated strong demand, and expansion plans are being evaluated to meet increasing consumer needs.
Commitment to the Future
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe and RJ Corporation remain committed to investing in sectors that create jobs, empower farmers, expand infrastructure, and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s long-term prosperity.
Marching towards Vision 2030.
Online Reporter