Collaborative efforts to propel Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector to $2 Billion industry

By Ilyana Sithole

Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector is on the verge of unregulated growth, with big ambitions to emerge as a $2 billion-per-year industry. The over-riding message at today’s inaugural joint meeting of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) and Horticultural Development Council (HDC) at Miombo Lodge. The forum, comprised of a group of multiple stakeholders like the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, bankers, commissions of pensions and insurance, and representatives from the private sector, shared a common resolve to rebuild the horticulture industry of the country.

The Permanent Secretary, in a moving speech, underscored the strategic value of horticulture, not just as an agriculture enterprise, but as a key pillar of economic change. “Our vision remains unflinching and ambitious: to create a thriving horticultural industry which makes a fundamental contribution to Zimbabwe’s path towards an Upper Middle-Income Economy,” he declared.

The ambitious goals set in the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan (HRGP) envision a sub-sector contributing more than $2.5 billion yearly gross revenue, providing 600,000 direct employment opportunities, and expanding to 180,000 hectares of cultivated land. These are the figures, the Permanent Secretary added, which are “livelihoods, communities, and future prosperity of our nation.” The HRGP will lead both conventional and rural horticulture, increase production and productivity, increase value addition, and contribute significantly to food security, import substitution, foreign exchange earnings, and employment generation.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of comprehending the whole horticultural business cycle, from production to the domestic and export markets, and the “hub and spoke” model. He averred that “every stage has opportunity and challenge. The policy environment, stakeholder interest, and economic contribution are connected strands that weave together to make the horticultural success tapestry.”

One of the main takeaways from the meeting was the focus on cooperation. “The Ministry cannot drive this transformation agenda alone, HDC can also not do it in isolation and the private sector cannot succeed without supportive policies. Success requires all of us working in harmony,” the Permanent Secretary remarked, emphasizing the power of partnership.

Attendees were tasked with transcend problem description and instead think in terms of tangible, tangible solutions. Group sessions were part of the workshop agenda in a bid to encourage hands-on suggestions on policy interventions, production issues, and creative solutions to market access and competitiveness.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Permanent Secretary shared insights into the success of the expiring five-year Water Culture Growth and Recovery Plan. “We have had quite some successes in terms of our water culture. We have seen growth in 2023-24. We have also seen growth in the years before that and so we can successfully and confidently say that our water culture sector is recovered and now it is time to really ensure that growth.”

Despite a 27% contraction last year due to an unfortunate drought, the sector saw notable successes in specific sub-sectors. Blueberry production grew by 7%, while the pecan nut sub-sector saw a remarkable 12% increase, with over 1,100 metric tons exported last year. Blueberry exports totaled over 8,500 metric tons, with the highest quality blueberries in the world coming from Zimbabwe.

The Permanent Secretary made public that horticulture exports realized approximately $66 million of foreign exchange during the previous year but went on to state that the industry could be a multi-billion dollar industry. “Our sector is worth over two billion in terms of infrastructure and everything that makes up our water culture. The aim is to really grow the exports so we are focusing on growing this sector over the next five years to enable become a two billion dollar industry,” he affirmed.

In order to meet this ambitious goal, the Permanent Secretary insisted on broad-based support from government departments, e.g., transport for enhanced road and air transport facilities and the Ministry of Finance for concessional financing options and farm withholding arrangements. Fiscal authorities and others were also needed to provide tax holidays and other concessions in order to spur more investment in this capital-intensive endeavor.

“Horticulture by nature is high value and for that to maintain that high value status it means high investments,” he explained, noting that even small pieces of land in horticulture can yield high returns. “For one to really embark on a horticultural venture you need to think through and ensure that you put together all the necessary facets to ensure investment is attracted.”

The Permanent Secretary expressed confidence in the continued growth of various horticultural products, including avocado, blueberry, pecan nut, apples, and onions. He emphatically pointed out that the country is no longer importing potatoes, onions, and most vegetables as there is enough production inside the country, and this indicates a strong internal market supported by growing export opportunities.

The Ministry reaffirmed its solid commitment to creating an enabling policy environment, the abolition of over-regulation hurdles, improving infrastructure, and improving market access. Climate-smart and climate-resilient production systems were also placed at center stage as the calling of sustainable growth.

“The Zimbabwe horticultural sector is full of potential waiting to be tapped. We have the weather, we have the land, we have the people, and we have the will. What we now require is togetherness, sustained cooperation, and unbending resolve. Let us seize the day”, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Prof. Dr Obert Jiri said, issuing a firm call to action as he concluded his remarks at the joint workshop. The deliverables of this workshop are expected to offer a platform for substantive advancements and practical technical discussions, as Zimbabwe rises to entrench its position as an emerging giant in the horticulture sector.