Zimbabwe’s commercial milk production increased 7% to 40 million litres in the first four months of 2026, up from 38 million litres during the same period last year, as the dairy sector continues its recovery drive toward national self-sufficiency.
Latest industry figures show January output rose 9% to 10.6 million litres, February increased 8% to 9.4 million litres, March climbed 6% to 10.2 million litres, while April production grew 5% to 10.1 million litres.
The growth comes after Zimbabwe recorded its highest commercial milk output in more than two decades in 2025, when production reached about 122 million litres, compared to 66 million litres in 2017, reflecting an 85% increase over eight years.
Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers national chairman Edward Warambwa said the sector remained on course for further expansion this year.
“Milk production is projected to continue its growth trajectory in 2026, targeting a 10 percent year-on-year increase to a total output of 134 million litres,” said Warambwa.
Related Stories
He added that the industry was optimistic Zimbabwe could achieve milk self-sufficiency in 2026 if key structural challenges are addressed.
“We are confident the nation will meet self-sufficient production this year, especially if critical issues related to milk pricing, cost of compliance, power supply and access to suitable funding are addressed,” he said.
Government has also linked the sector’s recovery to expansion in the national dairy herd and support programmes targeting feed security, genetics improvement and financing.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda said commercial raw milk production rose from 114.7 million litres in 2024 to 121.8 million litres in 2025, while the dairy herd increased 7.5% from 65,659 cattle in 2024 to 70,584 in 2025.
The dairy industry peaked at 262 million litres in 1990 before output declined sharply during the 2000s, forcing Zimbabwe to rely heavily on imports. Industry estimates now place national milk demand at around 130 million litres annually.
Despite rising local production, dairy imports surged 72% to US$8.7 million in the first four months of 2026, reflecting growing consumer demand, expanding processing capacity and higher disposable incomes.
Leave Comments