Rungano Dzikira

Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) is working with a Singapore based firm, AF Power, to identify and exploit investment opportunities in the agricultural sector.

In an interview, ZIDA chief executive officer, Douglas Munatsi told The Harare Post that AF Power country head, Jonathan Chalk, was collaborating with ZIDA in identifying opportunities in the country’s agriculture sector.

“AF Power has made Zimbabwe their home. Given their track record in investing in the energy sector, we are currently working with their country head, Chalk, to scout for investment opportunities in the agriculture sector as well.

“AF Power is a global independent power producer with subsidiary companies also involved in agriculture, mining, petroleum production and oil and gas exploration. As such they feel they can also explore our agriculture sector,” said Mr Munatsi.

The Singapore based firm has been actively engaged with the Government of Zimbabwe since 2018, most notably in the energy sector. Currently, AF Power is working on investing in a 200MW solar power plant in which the first 50 MW phase is earmarked for Umguza District in Matabeleland North Province.

ZIDA chief executive also highlighted that they were currently seized with establishing the Victoria Falls – Masuwe special economic zones focusing on agriculture and says they are in the process of developing operational maps.

Munatsi added that the development of any successful SEZ is dependent on good planning and ability to obtain the right kind of investment into the spaces, and understanding the key economic drivers of this space, hence the reason for earmarking Vic Falls SEZ for agriculture purposes.