Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga has declared Zimbabwe’s economic transformation as “unstoppable”, commending the private sector for its pivotal role in revitalising key productive sectors.
He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business growth.
Speaking during a media briefing following a closed-door meeting with National Foods management in Bulawayo yesterday, VP Chiwenga described the company as a strategic player in Zimbabwe’s food value chain and praised its investment in modern agro-processing infrastructure.
He said the newly commissioned milling plant in Bulawayo represents a landmark achievement in the country’s ongoing industrial transformation agenda.
“We are talking about transforming our economy, we cannot be stagnant. We have to move ahead and the developments that have taken place here (Bulawayo) and in all your plants countrywide are commendable. We also expect that you keep that trajectory. This facility stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to modernising agro-processing infrastructure and other value chains,” said VP Chiwenga.
VP Chiwenga noted that the new milling plant, equipped with world-class technology, exemplifies what can be accomplished when private sector investment aligns with national development priorities.
However, he stressed the importance of addressing Zimbabwe’s continued reliance on imported wheat for bread production.
“In celebrating this milestone, we must also confront a strategic challenge — our continued reliance on imported wheat to produce bread. This dependency not only strains our foreign currency reserves but also limits the full potential of our local agriculture sector,” said VP Chiwenga.
He urged National Foods to extend its role beyond processing by partnering with national research institutions to drive innovation.
“I urge the company to actively fund and collaborate with our national research institutions, such as the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), to explore viable alternatives and solutions.
“Together, let us invest in research that enhances the quality and yield of Zimbabwean wheat, enabling it to have adequate gluten properties and protein content, making it suitable for bread without the need for blending with foreign varieties,” said the Vice-President.
He added that such initiatives would help build a self-sustaining value chain anchored on local farmers, consumers, innovation, science, and industry.
National Foods has, in recent years, invested millions in upgrading its production capacity, replacing ageing infrastructure and improving operational efficiency. The company commissioned a US$6,5 million state-of-the-art Buhler wheat milling plant in Bulawayo on 1 July 2023 — a project completed over two years. The new plant boasts a capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day, up from 240 tonnes previously, marking a 25 percent increase in throughput.
An additional US$2,1 million was invested in packaging and handling facilities, bringing the total investment in Bulawayo to US$8,6 million.
Since 2022, National Foods has invested approximately US$30 million in new high-technology plants, replacing its 72-year-old mills and increasing total production by more than 2 000 tonnes across its operations in Bulawayo and Harare.
National Foods Group CEO, Mr Mike Lashbrook, said one of the project’s major highlights was the ability to maintain production without any downtime during installation — a first for a project of this scale in Zimbabwe.
“This increased production capacity ensures that Zimbabwe can meet domestic flour demand, strengthening food security and promoting national self-sufficiency in line with the Government’s vision.
The investment also reduces the need for flour imports, saving the nation valuable foreign currency,” he said.
Mr Lashbrook added that the new mill incorporates modern energy-efficient systems, improved hygiene standards, and enhanced operational efficiency.
“These upgrades not only lower the plant’s environmental footprint but also contribute to National Foods’ broader sustainability goals. Most importantly, the new mill enables National Foods to continue supporting local agriculture by purchasing wheat from farmers in the southern region.
“From the 2025 winter crop, National Foods has contracted a record 80 000 metric tonnes of locally produced wheat from a record harvest, underscoring the company’s commitment to Zimbabwean farmers, improved livelihoods for employees, and their families, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment.”
