The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has highlighted two major private-sector investments worth approximately US$19.3 million, signalling renewed momentum in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector.
The projects—Century Auto Assembly (Pvt) Limited and Bronzepels Investments—are expected to create more than 400 jobs and strengthen efforts toward import substitution and export-oriented industrial production.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu endorsed the investments following tours of both facilities, noting that they support the government’s broader goal of stimulating domestic production.
The projects align with incentives outlined in the recent national budget, which prioritises manufacturing competitiveness and the development of a 24-hour economy.
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Century Auto Assembly, established in February 2025, has invested an estimated US$10 million in a full vehicle assembly plant with capacity to produce over 30 000 vehicles annually. Its product range will include SUVs, sedans, pick-ups, double cabs and hatchbacks—positioning the company to reduce dependence on imported fully built and second-hand vehicles.
The firm also aims to enter regional markets, confirming that it intends to export assembled units. The project is expected to employ more than 300 workers once fully operational.
In heavy industry, Bronzepels Investments has injected US$9.3 million into domestic manufacturing of gas cylinders, a critical product given the country’s rising use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking and heating.
The company is currently producing cylinders in sizes ranging from 3kg to 48kg, with an annual target of 40 000 units. Bronzepels employs 80 workers and anticipates expanding its workforce to over 100 at full capacity, further reducing reliance on imported cylinders.
The Ministry says the combined investments reflect growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s industrial potential and represent meaningful steps toward rebuilding a strong, job-creating manufacturing base.
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