Bata says 85 percent of shoes sold in Zimbabwe are locally manufactured

Bata Global says 85 percent of the shoes sold in its Zimbabwean stores are manufactured locally, highlighting the company's contribution to domestic industrial production, employment creation and the country's footwear value chain.

The company's Global Chief Executive Officer, Panagiotis Mytaros, revealed this during a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Thursday, November 5, 2026, where discussions focused on strengthening the company's operations and exploring further investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.

Mytaros said the company appreciated the Government's support, adding that Zimbabwe remained an important market for Bata, not only for its retail operations but also as a potential manufacturing and export base.

"Eighty-five percent of the shoes you find in our stores are made in Zimbabwe, with raw materials and manufacturing done in Zimbabwe. We appreciate the stability in Zimbabwe and look forward to more opportunities," he said.

He said the company was keen to strengthen its local manufacturing capabilities, improve product quality and develop footwear that meets changing consumer preferences.

"For me, the most important thing is that we make our shoes better. The people want better shoes, the people want more stylish shoes. So the first thing is to establish in Zimbabwe competencies to make better quality shoes and remain competitive," Mytaros said.

He added that investing in technical skills and developing local expertise in shoemaking would be central to the company's growth strategy.

"Shoemaking is a craft, so you need to learn it. We need to have the right people and ultimately bring more employment," he said.

Bata's presence in Zimbabwe dates back to 1939, when its manufacturing operations were established in Gweru, making it one of the country's longest-established footwear manufacturers.

Its operations have developed around several production lines, including leather, canvas and plastic footwear, tanning, and the manufacture of polyurethane safety shoes.

The company's local sourcing arrangements also support other businesses within the country's industrial value chain, particularly those involved in textiles, leather processing and the supply of manufacturing inputs.

In October 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that Bata employed 1,326 workers, following improvements in production and business performance. The company attributed part of its recovery to the Government's Local Content Strategy and measures aimed at curbing the smuggling of imported products.

However, local manufacturing still faces operational challenges. While Bata sources materials such as hides and canvas locally, some chemicals and rubber used in production are imported. The company has also raised concerns about rising operational costs and foreign currency requirements for certain inputs.

Bata's renewed interest in expanding its Zimbabwean operations comes amid broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote value addition and increase exports.

The company has previously invested in modernising its Gweru factory, including upgrading machinery and introducing technology for the production of safety footwear. Its operations have also been identified as having the potential to supply footwear to regional markets.

The latest discussions with Mnangagwa signal an opportunity for further collaboration between the Government and the company, particularly in manufacturing, skills development, employment creation and expanding Zimbabwe's participation in regional footwear markets.