Zimbabwean bus manufacturer AVM Africa has unveiled a new locally made bus as Government pushes to increase local production and reduce reliance on imports.
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Read E-PaperThe bus, which has 65 percent locally sourced components and 35 percent imported parts, was bought by Lupane-based St Paul’s Amandlethu AMR High School for US$140,000.
The launch was attended by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Tadeous Chifamba, who said the bus showed that Zimbabwe still had the ability to manufacture vehicles locally.
“This unveiling represents more than the introduction of a new product. It represents the renewal of a manufacturing capability that has formed part of Zimbabwe’s industrial base for generations,” Chifamba said.
He said the automotive industry supports many other businesses involved in producing steel, electrical parts, plastics, rubber, glass, upholstery, batteries and other products.
AVM is already buying several components from local companies, including seats, upholstery, steel, batteries, wiring and paint.
The company has been operating in Zimbabwe for more than 60 years and has manufactured buses, truck bodies and other commercial vehicles.
AVM managing director Jacob Kupa said about 91 local companies are involved in the production of its buses.
The company is now seeking to increase production after facing competition from cheaper imported buses.
AVM previously reported that its capacity utilisation had fallen to between 5 and 10 percent, despite having the ability to produce up to 25 commuter buses per month.
The company said imported buses and the high cost of manufacturing were among the challenges affecting production.
The 65 percent local-content figure does not include major components such as engines, gearboxes and axles, which are imported.
AVM has also been working on partnerships to increase production. In 2024, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Belarusian manufacturer Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) to expand bus manufacturing in Zimbabwe.
Chifamba said Government was also working on policies to support local vehicle production.
He said the automotive sector was one of the industries being targeted to increase local production, create jobs and reduce imports.
Government is reviewing the Motor Industry Development Policy for 2026-2030, with a focus on vehicle assembly and the production of automotive components.
Chifamba also said Government was encouraging institutions to buy locally made products where they are available.
The latest AVM bus is therefore expected to create more business for local suppliers while supporting efforts to rebuild Zimbabwe’s automotive manufacturing industry.
