Zimbabwe poised for millions in steel exports with...

Zimbabwe poised for millions in steel exports with completion of Manhize Plant

Osca J Jeke

Zimbabwe’s Manhize Steel Plant nears completion, promising a significant boost to the nation’s economy through millions in steel exports. The first phase of the project targets production of 600 000 tonnes of steel and iron, exceeding domestic needs by over 100 000 tonnes.

Planned expansions will further ramp up production to a staggering 5 million tonnes at full capacity, solidifying Zimbabwe’s position as a major steel exporter. This translates to millions in revenue, a prospect celebrated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a recent plant visit.

President Mnangagwa emphasised the project’s alignment with his government’s vision of maximising benefits from natural resources. The focus, he explained, lies in “value addition and beneficiation,” prioritising the export of high-value finished steel products rather than raw materials.

“Value Addition and Beneficiation is the backbone” of the country’s development strategy, Mnangagwa declared. “This shift in focus allows us to realise maximum benefits from our natural resources.”

The government’s commitment extends beyond production. Plans are underway to construct a dedicated trade route from Manhize to Beira, Mozambique, complete with a port specifically for exporting steel