Staff Reporter

The 2025 tobacco marketing season officially opened on Wednesday, marking a promising start as the first high-quality leaf fetched a record-breaking US$4.95 per kilogram, surpassing last year’s highest price of US$4.92. This milestone signals a strong year ahead for Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry, which remains a key driver of the country’s agricultural economy.

Staff Reporter


Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, led a pivotal meeting yesterday with key stakeholders from the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA).
The discussions centred on forging a partnership to promote youth participation in Government procurement, paving the way for a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and ZBCA.
The meeting, which was held in Harare yesterday and attended by various stakeholders, including Chairperson of the Young Contractors Desk, Langton Vito; CEO of ZBCA, Joyline Zindaga; and ZBCA President, Dr. Tinashe Manzungu, was meant to address challenges and identify solutions to issues surrounding youth empowerment in the construction industry.
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Mupamhanga highlighted Government’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and the need to involve young people in national projects.
“Youth inclusion in procurement processes is not just an initiative; it is a necessity for economic transformation. The 25% youth participation quota in tendering through the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) will enable young contractors to participate in large-scale Government projects, ultimately contributing to the growth of our economy,” said Deputy Mupamhanga.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga also emphasised the Ministry’s broader efforts to create opportunities for the youth, stating, “Government has invested heavily in initiatives to provide access to skills, vocational training, and now, through our collaboration with ZBCA, we will ensure that our young people have a seat at the table in the public procurement space.”
Speaking at the same event, Dr. Manzungu welcomed the proposed changes, stressing the importance of this initiative in overcoming the barriers that limit youth participation in the industry.
“For too long, young people have struggled to access opportunities in Government projects due to a lack of resources and experience. This proposed youth quota is a game-changer. It will provide young contractors the chance to participate in lucrative projects and, most importantly, gain the experience that will be crucial for their growth as entrepreneurs in the future,” Dr. Manzungu noted.
He further emphasised the importance of making these opportunities accessible, noting, “We must ensure that the youth not only have access to tenders but also have the financial support to execute these projects successfully. This is why working with Empower Bank, which provides targeted financing to young entrepreneurs, is so crucial.”
With future meetings already planned, the partnership between the Ministry and ZBCA is expected to accelerate efforts to create pathways for youth to thrive within Zimbabwe’s procurement systems.

 

Staff Reporter


In a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, leading agribusiness PROfeeds has successfully trained nearly 5 000 farmers over the past nine months, equipping them with essential skills in livestock, aquaculture, and horticulture.
This large-scale empowerment initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of fostering sustainable agricultural development, reinforcing the sector’s role as a driver of economic growth.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, PROfeeds founder, Nigel Philp, emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening the country’s agricultural landscape by providing farmers with the knowledge and tools required for long-term success.
"Our goal is simple—to empower farmers with the skills and resources needed to thrive. By training thousands in key sectors, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable agricultural growth that benefits both individuals and the broader economy," said Philp.
Beyond training, PROfeeds is actively supporting local agricultural projects, particularly in rural communities, ensuring that farmers gain, not only knowledge, but also access to essential resources.
These include high-quality animal feed, veterinary services, and specialized equipment, which are critical for modernizing farming operations and enhancing productivity.
Philp further highlighted that the company’s efforts extend beyond education, aiming to foster self-sufficiency and long-term community development.
"It’s not just about teaching farmers how to produce more; it’s about creating sustainable opportunities that allow entire communities to flourish. Agriculture should be a foundation for prosperity that benefits future generations," he explained.
The initiative has drawn praise from agricultural experts, who view such private-sector-driven interventions as essential in addressing food security and economic challenges.
Agricultural specialist Dr. Tendai Chikukwa commended PROfeeds for its proactive approach, emphasizing the vital role of empowering small-scale farmers in strengthening Zimbabwe’s economic resilience.
"Supporting smallholder farmers is key to ensuring food security and driving economic growth, particularly in Zimbabwe, where agriculture remains a pillar of the economy. PROfeeds’ commitment to these communities demonstrates how private companies can play a transformative role in national development," said Dr. Chikukwa.
As Zimbabwe continues its push for economic revitalization through agriculture, PROfeeds’ ongoing initiatives stand as a testament to the impact of private-sector involvement in rural transformation.
With a continued focus on innovation, training, and resource provision, the company is poised to remain a key player in strengthening Zimbabwe’s agricultural base and positioning local farmers for success in an evolving economy.

 

Staff Reporter
The Government has approved preparations for the country’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, a prestigious global event set to take place in Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
Announcing the decision during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, said Zimbabwe’s participation is a strategic move to promote investment and showcase key economic sectors.
“The preparations for Expo 2025 Osaka are at an advanced stage, with a 12-member delegation, led by a Commissioner-General, set to represent Zimbabwe at this high-profile event. This is a critical platform for Zimbabwe to engage with international investors and explore new economic opportunities,” Muswere said.
Zimbabwe’s pavilion at Expo 2025 will focus on tourism, mining, education, innovation, and agriculture.
"The Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Japan, from 13th April to 13th October 2025. Plans are already at an advanced stage to establish the Zimbabwe Pavilion and the identification of public and private institutions, especially the business community representatives that will showcase content in the following key sectors of the economy: tourism, mining, education, innovation, and agriculture. Content creation is already at an advanced stage, while construction of the Pavilion, commercial space, and development of websites is already underway," he added.
A major highlight of Zimbabwe’s participation will be the Zimbabwe National Day, scheduled for July 16, 2025, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to lead engagements with global investors and the Zimbabwean Diaspora in Japan.
"The highlights of the six-month-long Expo 2025 programme will include the Zimbabwe National Day, to be graced by His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa on the 16th of July 2025. The event will provide a platform to harness investment dividends and other collaborative opportunities, as the President will be engaging both international investors and the diaspora community in Japan," Prof. Murwira added.
With preparations well underway, Zimbabwe is set to make a strong impact at Expo 2025, positioning itself as an attractive destination for investment and innovation.