The 56 000-tonne smart storage facility, comprising seven state-of-the-art silos, represents Zimbabwe's determined push to modernise its food systems and combat climate-induced challenges.
In a speech that underscored the Second Republic's commitment to agricultural innovation, President Mnangagwa declared, "This facility stands as proof of our unwavering determination to transform Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape through cutting-edge technology. As we face the growing threats of climate change, such innovations become our shield against food insecurity."
The President emphasized how the project aligns with Zimbabwe's broader vision to become a prosperous, upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The commissioning comes at a critical juncture for Zimbabwe's food security efforts.
President Mnangagwa recalled how the Government successfully navigated last year's devastating drought - the worst in 43 years – by distributing 328 000 tonnes of grain to vulnerable communities and supporting 4 million school children through feeding programmes.
"While we managed to avert disaster, the experience reinforced our resolve to build more resilient systems," he said, announcing plans to double the Strategic Grain Reserve capacity to 1.5 million tonnes through 14 new silo depots across the country.
What sets the Kwekwe facility apart is its sophisticated integration of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
The President explained how the system's real-time monitoring capabilities and automated climate controls will revolutionise grain storage.
"Gone are the days when we would lose millions to pests and spoilage. These silos constantly monitor and adjust conditions to preserve our grain in perfect state,” said the President.
The facility features built-in dryers, advanced ventilation systems, and digital tracking mechanisms that together address the US$30 million annual losses previously incurred through traditional storage methods.
President Mnangagwa issued a rallying cry to the nation's farmers and agricultural stakeholders, urging increased production to fully utilise the new infrastructure.
"This technology gives us the tools, but the harvests depend on your labour," he stated, announcing competitive new producer prices for the coming season.
The President particularly emphasised the importance of extending these modern storage solutions to drought-prone regions, with new silos planned for Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane and Gokwe to ensure food security reaches all corners of the nation.
The project also signals a new era of technological adoption across Zimbabwe's public sector.
"What we see here today must become the standard, not the exception," President Mnangagwa directed, ordering all Government agencies to pursue similar innovations.
He praised the collaboration between the Grain Marketing Board, academic institutions and private sector partners in delivering the project, while challenging universities to develop more homegrown agricultural technologies.
As the President officially cut the ribbon on the new facility, he framed it as more than just storage infrastructure.
"These silos represent our national resilience, our innovative spirit, and our commitment to ensuring no Zimbabwean goes hungry regardless of what challenges climate may added the President.
The project stands as a centrepiece of Zimbabwe's Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, with its success likely to influence agricultural modernisation efforts across the region.
