106
Zimbabwe has unveiled a massive agricultural investment package worth $1.4 billion, a bold step the government says will transform the sector and secure the country’s place in global food markets. The announcement was made during the African Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, where Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, presented the country’s new strategy to international investors and development partners.
The investment plan is part of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), a broad policy framework designed to modernise agriculture, increase exports, and improve livelihoods in rural communities. According to Mr. Jiri, although 42 agricultural value chains have been identified nationwide, the government has chosen to focus on seven priority areas that are expected to deliver the greatest impact. These include blueberries, dairy, beef, maize, sunflower, soybeans, and poultry.
He explained that these crops and livestock products were selected because of their potential to meet domestic food needs, reduce reliance on imports, and expand Zimbabwe’s footprint in international markets. “We are in Dakar, Senegal, where we are meeting with agricultural investors. As a country, we have our investment proposal based on the Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy. We want to make it clear that Zimbabwe is ready to develop these value chains to meet domestic needs as well as for export,” Jiri told delegates at the forum.
The investment package is anchored on the Zimbabwe Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Investment Roadmap (ZAFSRTIR), a detailed plan showing funding needs for each value chain. The roadmap breaks down how the $1.4 billion will be allocated: maize production will take the largest share at $468 million, followed by soybeans at $403 million, and sunflower at $251.9 million. Blueberries, which have gained strong demand in global fresh fruit markets, are budgeted at $23.7 million, while beef requires $45.2 million and dairy $71.4 million. Poultry, which covers both eggs and broiler chickens, will need $158.4 million, with $15.1 million going to eggs and $143.3 million for broilers.
Experts say the blueprint reflects Zimbabwe’s ambition to strengthen its agricultural base, particularly after years of economic challenges that have affected food production and exports. By investing in these strategic value chains, the government hopes to not only improve food security but also earn much-needed foreign exchange from exports to Europe, Asia, and regional African markets.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to rural development. However, the sector has faced challenges such as climate change, limited access to finance, outdated farming methods, and fluctuating global commodity prices. The new investment roadmap aims to tackle these constraints by modernising production, introducing new technologies, and attracting private sector partners.
Government officials also stressed that the initiative is not just about increasing output but also about creating jobs, supporting smallholder farmers, and transforming rural livelihoods. The permanent secretary noted that strengthening rural economies is at the heart of the Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, as this will reduce poverty and inequality while ensuring inclusive growth.
Observers at the Dakar forum welcomed Zimbabwe’s plan, noting that agricultural value chain development is increasingly important for African economies as they push for diversification away from mineral dependence. The choice of blueberries, dairy, and poultry highlights Zimbabwe’s bid to capture both high-value export opportunities and essential food staples.
The strategy also reflects a wider continental push to make African agriculture globally competitive, with the African Union and development partners encouraging countries to invest in value addition and agro-processing. For Zimbabwe, success will depend on how well the $1.4 billion package is implemented, whether investors respond positively, and if farmers at all levels—from smallholders to commercial operators—can access the benefits.
As the world grapples with food security challenges, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a player that can contribute meaningfully to global supply chains. The hope is that with better investment, infrastructure, and partnerships, the country will not only feed its own citizens but also supply premium products abroad, boosting its economy in the process.
