President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Mutare, Manicaland Province, this Wednesday where he will officially commission the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Smart Silos and launch the 2026–2030 Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.

The commissioning of the Smart Silos marks another milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s grain storage and management systems in line with Vision 2030. The state of the art facilities, which include 14 Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven silos established across various parts of the country are designed to enhance efficiency, security, and quality control in the handling of strategic grain reserves.

Once fully operational, the new Smart Silos are expected to add an additional 750 000 tonnes of storage capacity to the national system. This will significantly boost Zimbabwe’s ability to manage grain stocks and respond to regional food security demands. The World Food Programme (WFP) has already recognised Zimbabwe as a regional food distribution hub, a status reinforced by such investments in advanced storage infrastructure.

The Smart Silo project falls under the Second Republic’s push to digitalise and industrialise key sectors of the economy, ensuring that agriculture remains the backbone of national development. Through the integration of AI technology, the facilities will be able to monitor temperature, moisture, and stock levels in real time, minimising post-harvest losses and improving decision making in food reserve management.

In addition to the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa will also preside over the launch of the 2026–2030 Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, which outlines Zimbabwe’s next phase of agricultural development.

The strategy aims to expand the country’s irrigable land from the current 220 000 hectares to nearly 500 000 hectares by 2030, a move expected to increase productivity and resilience against climate change. It also places emphasis on rural industrialisation, sustainable farming practices, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers through access to modern technologies, finance, and markets.

Government officials, farmers’ unions, development partners, and private sector representatives are expected to attend the event, which underscores the importance of agriculture in driving inclusive economic growth and food self sufficiency.

The Mutare event follows a series of nationwide infrastructure developments being rolled out under the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Programme, which seeks to position Zimbabwe as a regional leader in sustainable food production and distribution.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially cleared the way for Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote to visit Zimbabwe, opening the door for a potential US$1 billion investment in the country.

The anticipated visit, coordinated by Bard Santner Markets Inc and Zimbabwean business adviser Mrs. Josephine Mahachi, is expected to solidify a multi-sector investment plan spanning cement production, coal mining, and power generation.

This major investment aligns with the government’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous upper-middle-income economy.

Confirmed Presidential Approval and Coordination

Mrs. Mahachi confirmed that President Mnangagwa had approved the visit, paving the way for Dangote and his team to engage directly with the President and senior officials.

“I can confirm that Mr. Dangote will return to Zimbabwe soon to explore strategic investment opportunities,” she said. “While the exact dates are still being finalized, a formal mandate has been signed. We are partnering with Bard Santner Incorporated to ensure the process is smooth and well-coordinated.”

Dr. Paul Tungwarara, Presidential Investment Advisor, highlighted the government’s commitment to the project. “Africa’s richest man is visiting Zimbabwe at the President’s invitation. Continuous communication is underway to finalize logistics and ensure a meaningful investment, avoiding setbacks from previous visits in 2015,” he explained.

Scope of the Proposed Investment

Sources indicate that the Dangote Group’s planned projects in Zimbabwe include:

A fully integrated cement factory

A limestone quarry and grinding plant

A coal mine

A dedicated power station

The total value of these initiatives is projected to range between US$800 million and US$1 billion.

A Second Chance for a Landmark Deal

Aliko Dangote, head of Dangote Industries Limited, is Africa’s wealthiest individual with diverse business interests in cement, sugar, fertilizers, oil, and gas across 16 African countries.

While previous visits to Zimbabwe in 2015 and 2018 did not lead to actual investments, the President’s direct support and the current structured facilitation have raised optimism that this attempt will finally result in a transformative deal for Zimbabwe’s economy.

The Second Republic under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa transformative policies and strategic investments in various sectors of the country’s industry have injected approximately USD 2 billion into the economy, benefiting the livelihood of the general citizenry.
Permanent Secretary Industry and Commerce Dr Thomas Wushe revealed that following government new investments of USD 1 .5 billion in the manufacturing sector there has been an increase in economic growth.

“Capacity Utilisation rose from 51 to 57.3 percent in 2025.
“The Ministry increased the number of reserved sectors from 12 to 17, allowing USD 2 billion to pass to the hands of the general citizenry.
“The Manufacturing Sector contributed 15.3 percent to GDP, with the commercial sector contributing 11.9 percent which brings the total contribution to 27.2 percent.
“The manufacturing sector received investments exceeding USD $1.5 billion across various sectors.

“The Ministry facilitated 16 Anchor Rural Projects valued at over USD 600 million.
Value added exports increased by 18 percent rising from USD 292 million in August 2024 to USD 345.4 million in 2025 during the same month,” said Dr Wushe.
He said the Ministry facilitated the establishment of the Industrial Development Fund, securing USD 100 million to cover three priority sectors which are Pharmaceuticals, Motor Industry and Iron and Steel Industry.

“The first disbursements are expected before the end of the year.
The Volume of Manufacturing Index (VMI) increased from 142.29 in 2023 to 156, reflecting a year-on-year percentage increase of 10.13.
“There was an establishment of 4 new pharmaceutical companies, leading to an increased local manufacturing capacity by 10 percent.
He said through engagements the Ministry secured an unlocked USD USD 10 million from the African Development Bank for support to the Leather Value Chain, which will see Zimbabwe regain its leading position in the supply of leather.

He added that the Ministry successfully held the 65th ZITF Edition in Bulawayo, which drew 8179 business visitors and 574 exhibitors, with 30 countries represented. 6.3 percent of the participants recorded business deals worth over USD 5 million each.
“A new policy framework for the Reserved Sectors was approved by Cabinet to provide policy clarity on the implementation of the Reserved Sector and level the playing field for equitable participation of both foreign and local investors,” he said.

Revenue collection from the Ministry’s efforts amounted to USD 600 million against an annual target of USD 540 million for the Standard Development Fund collection.
Dr Wushe said government hosted the inaugural Competitiveness Summit, which led to the adoption of government reforms to ease doing business, initially reducing fees in the Transport, Retail, and Livestock sectors, with other sectors set to follow.

“A National Command Centre for the Anti-Smuggling Task-Force was established, leading to 3,970 inspections, 421 prosecutions, and the seizure of 4,831 contraband goods. Over 1.8 million items were inspected for trade measures compliance.

“Furthermore, the government facilitated the acquisition of institutional accommodation for two (2) State Owned Enterprises (CPC and NCC).
“Vigorous enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act and the removal of substandard goods from markets have been undertaken, safeguarding the health and economic interests of citizens,” he said.

As part of engagement in the region the country achieved the successful hosting of the 40th SADC-TBT Cooperation Structures Meeting to promote Policy Advocacy on Quality Infrastructure Development.