Zimbabwe has announced a considerable $1.4 billion investment in its agricultural sector, a move the government believes will revolutionize the industry and solidify the nation’s position in global food markets. The proclamation occurred at the African Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, where Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Progress, Obert Jiri, introduced the country’s new strategy to international investors and development partners.

The investment is part of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), a comprehensive policy framework intended to modernize agriculture, increase exports, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. According to Mr. Jiri, while 42 agricultural value chains have been identified across the country, the government is prioritizing seven key areas expected to have the most important impact.These include blueberries, dairy, beef, maize, sunflower, soybeans, and poultry.

He stated that these crops and livestock were chosen for their potential to satisfy domestic food requirements, decrease reliance on imports, and broaden Zimbabwe’s presence 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 wont to make it clear that zimbabwe is ready to develop these value chains to meet domestic needs and also for export,” Jiri told delegates at the forum.

The investment is based on the Zimbabwe Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Investment Roadmap (ZAFSRTIR), a detailed plan outlining funding needs for each value chain. The $1.4 billion will be allocated as follows: maize production receiving the largest share at $468 million, followed by soybeans at $403 million, and sunflower at $251.9 million. Blueberries, experiencing 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, including both eggs and broiler chickens, will need $158.4 million, with $15.1 million allocated to eggs and $143.3 million for broilers.