Zimbabwe is working to grow its industries under Vision 2030 Zimbabwe, and local companies are playing an important role in this effort.

One of these companies is Steelmakers Limited, which is helping the country produce more goods locally instead of importing them. By doing this, Zimbabwe saves foreign currency and strengthens its economy.

Steelmakers Limited stands out because it controls the whole production process. It mines iron ore in Masvingo and coal in Chiredzi, then uses these materials to produce sponge iron and finally finished steel products in Redcliff and Harare.

This means most of the work is done inside the country, creating more value locally and reducing the need to buy materials from outside.

The company also took part in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026, where it showcased its products and connected with business partners, investors, and government officials. This helped promote Zimbabwean steel and opened opportunities to sell products in other countries.

Steelmakers Limited plays a big role in national development. By producing steel locally, it reduces imports and helps keep money in the country. Its products are important for building houses, roads and factories supporting mining and agriculture. Steel is essential for development, and the company helps provide it.

The company also supports other sectors of the economy. Its operations create jobs and increase demand in transport, logistics, and engineering industries. This means its impact goes beyond just making steel.

Zimbabwe’s 2026 tobacco marketing season is recording a notable increase in volumes, although prices continue to lag behind last year’s levels, reflecting shifting market dynamics.

As of Day 34 of the selling season, a total of 149.92 million kilograms of tobacco has been sold across both auction and contract floors.

This marks a significant rise compared to the same period in 2025, when 93.99 million kilograms had been sold.

Strong Growth in Volumes

Auction floors have contributed 8.81 million kilograms, with an average price of US$2.06 per kilogram. Meanwhile, contract sales dominate the market, accounting for 141.12 million kilograms at a higher average price of US$2.69 per kilogram.

Combined, the national average price currently stands at US$2.65 per kilogram.
The figures reflect a year-on-year volume increase of over 59%, highlighting strong farmer participation and improved output this season.

Prices Under Pressure

Despite the impressive growth in volumes, prices have declined significantly. During the same period in 2025, tobacco was selling at an average of US$3.42 per kilogram, meaning prices have dropped by approximately 22.5% this year.

This downward trend suggests several possible factors at play, including:

Increased supply, which may be putting pressure on buyers and reducing competitive pricing

Variations in quality, with a larger proportion of lower-grade leaf entering the market

Weaker global demand conditions, affecting export-driven pricing structures

Outlook for the Season

While lower prices may affect farmer earnings, the higher volumes could help cushion overall revenue losses, especially for large-scale producers.

However, for smallholder farmers, profitability may remain a concern if input costs are not matched by returns.

Market watchers will be closely monitoring upcoming sales trends to determine whether prices stabilise or continue to soften as the season progresses.

Overall, Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector remains resilient in output, but the price dynamics signal the need for strategic adjustments to maintain value in the global market.

Zimbabwe’s fertiliser industry is set for strong growth under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), as new investments aim to boost local production and reduce imports.

A key project is a US$200 million fertiliser plant by Xintai, operating through Palm River Resources, to be built in Beitbridge. Construction is expected to start in June 2026, with production beginning in February 2027.

The plant will produce 200,000 tonnes of urea and 200,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate each year. It will also generate its own electricity and reuse gas emissions for power, helping to lower costs.

In addition, the government is supporting a larger US$3 billion fertiliser and chemicals project by Jinfeng. This project will include a 900MW power plant and aims to turn Zimbabwe into a regional fertiliser exporter.

These developments are expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fertiliser, save foreign currency, and make inputs more affordable for farmers.

They will also help turn Beitbridge into an important industrial hub, supporting Zimbabwe’s goal of growing its economy and improving food production.