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Source: Mutoko project to cut crude oil bill by US$300m – herald

President Mnangagwa

Debra Matabvu and Precious Manomano

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to commission the Finealt Bioeconomy Industrial Park in Mutoko this week, marking a major milestone in the Government’s drive to accelerate rural industrialisation, promote value addition and beneficiation and unlock sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

The commissioning also marks one of the earliest flagship projects under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which identifies rural industrialisation, value addition and beneficiation as central pillars in transforming Zimbabwe from a primary commodity-based economy into a diversified manufacturing and export-oriented economy by 2030.

The industrial park project, being set up by Finealt Engineering — an agency under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development — is an integrated industrial hub producing biodiesel, cooking oil and soap, with a stock feed plant to be added later.

The industrial park will utilise locally-available natural resources and by-products predominantly found in Mashonaland East Province, creating value-added products, while enhancing community participation in the provincial economy.

The project aligns with the NDS2, which states that: “During NDS2, Government will prioritise the transformation of the agricultural sector into a competitive, export-oriented and value-driven industry that anchors rural industrialisation and growth in trade.”

In an interview, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Permanent Secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira said the project is a practical demonstration of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, which seeks to harness Zimbabwe’s indigenous resources, knowledge and innovation to drive industrialisation, economic growth and national development.

“This is a very important project which answers to Heritage-Based Education 5.0,” Professor Tagwira said. “It also answers the call for rural industrialisation of our economy.

“The first of its kind is being rolled out by the Ministry of Higher Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development using one of its entities called Finealt Engineering. Within the industrial park, we have a biodiesel plant, we have a cooking oil plant, we have a soap plant and we will later on have a stock feed plant. So, the idea is that within the biological resources that are found in Mashonaland East, we are trying to unlock value for the benefit of the communities and also create jobs.

“At least 20 000 households in Mashonaland East are going to be contracted to grow sunflowers to support the plant. Additionally, there will be staff working in the plant processing the product, and so there will be a lot of jobs that will be created.”

Professor Tagwira said beyond creating employment and promoting value addition, the industrial park would significantly reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on imported edible oils while saving scarce foreign currency.

He said the integrated processing model was expected to cut the country’s annual cooking oil import bill by more than US$300 million through full utilisation of the sunflower value chain.

“Zimbabwe spends US$300 million annually importing crude oil and then we refine this crude oil into cooking oil. Whereas this plant is going to make the whole value chain of seeds is exploited,” he said.

“The 20 000 households in Mashonaland East who are going to supply the seeds, which will be processed into cooking oil. Out of that we are going to get stock feed.

“So we are trying to cut the US$300 million import bill and save foreign currency.

“If we can cut the US$300 million, create jobs in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors as well as get stock feed, that is a bigger benefit. If we can then export it will still be fine.”

The biodiesel processing plant is expected to produce 22 000 litres of biodiesel per day, while the cooking oil processing plant will have the capacity to process 6 000 tonnes of sunflower seed annually. The industrial park will also house a soap manufacturing plant producing bar soap, tablets and detergents, while a livestock feed plant will be added in a later phase.

Professor Tagwira said the Industrial Park would serve as a pilot project, with the model set to be replicated across the country’s provinces to harness locally available resources, promote value addition and beneficiation, and drive inclusive rural industrialisation based on each region’s comparative advantages.

The industrial park, Professor Tagwira added, would serve as a model demonstrating how universities and polytechnics can support President Mnangagwa’s rural industrialisation agenda through the implementation of Heritage-Based Education 5.0 by transforming local resources into value-added products.

“It is a model to show what universities and polytechnics can do to support the rural industrialisation agenda of His Excellency as part of Heritage-Based Education 5.0,” he added.

“All the infrastructure on that site was put up by our polytechnics as well as the machinery was installed by our polytechnics.

“The conceptualisation of the innovations that you will find in the industrial park also came out of our institutions.

“Once we have done this project and it has succeeded, our aim is to cascade it to other provinces, but using the natural endowments that are found in those provinces.”

Professor Tagwira said the commissioning is expected to attract at least 50 000 people from across Mashonaland East Province.

He said the Finealt Bioeconomy Industrial Park builds on the innovation parks established at the country’s universities, extending the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model beyond academic institutions into rural communities to promote value addition, industrialisation and sustainable economic development.

Uplifting the local community

Professor Tagwira said local residents were trained in various construction trades, including bricklaying and plumbing, during the development of the industrial park.

“We also took people from the local community and trained them. Builders, plumbers and other artisans have been trained while these buildings were being constructed. Some of them will be assessed and receive recognised qualifications, giving them skills they can use beyond this project,” he said.

The Mutoko Bioeconomy Industrial Park is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar rural industrial hubs across Zimbabwe, supporting the Government’s vision of decentralised industrial development, employment creation, import substitution, value addition and inclusive economic growth through innovation.

Finealt Engineering Acting Chief Executive Officer Patrick Mpala said the three plants had been designed as an integrated manufacturing system, allowing by-products from one process to become raw materials for another.

“The biodiesel plant, soap-making plant and cooking oil plant are all integrated,” he said.

“The cooking oil plant produces what is called soap stock, which becomes raw material for the soap plant, while the biodiesel plant produces glycerine, which is also used in soap manufacturing. These three plants work together to produce different varieties of bioeconomy goods and services.”

Mr Mpala said the cooking oil plant has the capacity to process 20 tonnes of sunflower seed per day, producing about 5 000 litres of Biofine cooking oil for the local market.

The soap manufacturing plant can produce 4 000 small bars of soap every hour and another 2 000 larger lavender soap bars per hour, while the biodiesel plant has been upgraded from a capacity of 3 000 litres to 27 000 litres per day.

“We have upgraded from 3 000 litres to 27 000 litres per day. The challenge we may have now is feedstock, but that is something we are going to work on by improving feedstock production within the community,” said Mr Mpala.

He said the next phase of the project would include stockfeed production using sunflower cake, a by-product of cooking oil extraction, as well as mealie-meal processing.

“When we grind our sunflower, there is cake that is left. We are going to turn that into feedstock for animals and chickens,” he said.

The post Mutoko project to cut crude oil bill by US$300m  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Football Instead of Drugs: How One Community Coach is Using Sport to Rescue Zimbabwe’s Youth

A young soccer player shows his skills-Photo Credit Dennis Mabure

 

Her ordeal is not an isolated tragedy.

In another case, a mother was fatally stabbed by her son, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs. Elsewhere, another woman suffered horrific facial injuries after her son allegedly attacked her with a knife while intoxicated by illicit substances.

These heartbreaking incidents reflect a worsening drug abuse crisis among Zimbabwe’s youth—one that is tearing apart families and communities across the country.

Since around 2022, Zimbabwe has witnessed a sharp rise in substance abuse among young people. Health experts, researchers and social workers attribute the crisis to a combination of unemployment, poverty, mental health challenges and climate-related disasters, including prolonged droughts, cyclones and floods, which have destroyed livelihoods and left many young people feeling hopeless.

Recent statistics indicate that more than half of patients admitted to Zimbabwe’s inpatient mental health facilities are suffering from substance- and drug-induced mental disorders. And an emerging body of international research also points to climate change as an indirect driver of substance abuse. By destroying livelihoods, increasing psychological stress and limiting economic opportunities, climate shocks can leave vulnerable young people more susceptible to alcohol and drug use.

Zimbabwean climate change expert Peter Makwanya argues that environmental degradation, deforestation, destructive sand and gravel mining, prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures and water scarcity are eroding sustainable livelihoods and pushing many young people into despair.

“As the environment deteriorates and economic opportunities disappear, many youths become depressed and lose hope,” Makwanya wrote. “Some are then exploited by drug syndicates and traffickers who recruit them into the drug trade.”

And a research published in the African Journals Online by Witness Chikoko and Philemon Chihiya further highlights the connection between climate stress and substance abuse. Their study in drought-prone communities found that economic hardship linked to climate change has driven many children out of school and into drug use and trafficking.

One 15-year-old participant, identified as Munya, told researchers: “I grew marijuana at my private place and sold it to mafias at our local shopping centre so as to obtain income for basic needs. What do you expect me to do since I am not employed and my parents failed to send me to school?”

Another participant explained how drugs had become an escape from daily hardship.

“Abusing drugs makes us forget our climate-related challenges. You can’t cope with the situation while you are sober. We bought mbanje, Broncleer and glue from mafias in this community.”

Community leaders interviewed during the study expressed growing concern about the future of rural children, urging both government and development organisations to intervene before more young people become trapped by addiction.

Yet amid this growing crisis, one grassroots football coach in eastern Zimbabwe believes part of the solution begins on the football field.

Football as Prevention

Dennis Mabure, a school teacher and founder of Bright Stars FC, has spent the past several years using football to steer boys away from drugs, crime and other social challenges.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Bright Stars FC is based in Gutaurare, a farming community about 50 kilometres outside Zimbabwe’s eastern border city of  Mutare, and has grown into a thriving community club with players from Under-9 to Under-19 level.

“Our vision is to use football as a tool to transform the lives of young people, protecting them from drug abuse, crime and other social challenges,” Mabure said.

He believes one of the most effective ways to prevent drug abuse is to keep young people meaningfully occupied.

“Football keeps youths actively engaged in training, matches and tournaments, leaving little room for idleness,” he said. “Players learn that discipline and hard work lead to success, while drugs destroy health, fitness and careers.”

According to Mabure, football gives young people purpose at a time when many rural communities offer few recreational opportunities.

“In many rural communities, gambling, card playing and petty theft have become common because young people have little to do,” he said. “Football gives them purpose, direction and something positive to work towards. It builds positive friendships and a sense of belonging, reducing vulnerability to peer pressure.”

Changing Lives Beyond the Pitch

For Mabure, football is about far more than winning matches.

“Boys who once roamed the streets now commit themselves to training and self-improvement,” he said.

“Parents report improved respect and responsibility at home. Teachers tell us they are seeing better discipline and classroom behaviour. Our players are becoming role models in their villages.”

Every training session also includes life-skills education.

“Each session includes discussions on drug abuse, peer pressure and making responsible choices,” Mabure explained.

The club also takes part in the Goals Not Drugs Muza Moto Schools Tournament, which brings together schools, parents and local communities to reinforce anti-drug messages.

“We invite teachers, health workers and former athletes to speak to the players because awareness is stronger when the whole community is involved,” he said.

Character development remains central to the programme.

“We teach discipline, honesty, respect, teamwork, humility, perseverance and leadership. We encourage our players to respect their parents, teachers and elders. True strength is shown by making the right decisions even when friends are pressuring you to do otherwise.”

Training under difficult conditions has also become a lesson in resilience.

“Our boys train on dusty pitches with very limited resources,” Mabure said. “That experience teaches them to value effort over comfort and never give up.”

Mentorship Matters

Mabure believes unemployment, poverty, family breakdowns and peer pressure remain among the biggest factors pushing young people towards drugs.

“Many rural youths have limited recreational facilities and few positive role models,” he said. “When young people have too much idle time, they become exposed to drugs and crime. Football clubs provide guidance, mentorship and hope.”

He says every football coach has the potential to become a mentor.

“Discipline teaches responsible decision-making. Teamwork builds belonging and mutual support. Mentorship gives young people trusted adults who can guide them through life’s challenges. In rural communities, mentors often fill gaps where parents are away working or struggling with economic hardships.”

A Need for Greater Support

Despite its growing impact, Bright Stars FC continues to operate with limited resources.

“We need football kits, boots, balls, bibs, cones, goal nets and first-aid kits,” Mabure said. “Transport is one of our biggest challenges because many of our players travel long distances to tournaments.”

The club also requires support for player registration, nutrition, educational materials and anti-drug awareness campaigns.

“Every contribution—whether financial, equipment or partnerships—helps us keep another child on the football field instead of on the streets,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mabure hopes to build stronger partnerships with schools, parents, churches, health professionals, anti-drug organisations, NGOs and government agencies.

“Together we can expand our reach and protect more young people,” he said.

For Mabure, the mission extends far beyond developing talented footballers.

“Football has the power to change lives,” he said. “Every day we witness young people transforming into disciplined, responsible citizens. Our dream is not only to produce better footballers but responsible citizens who will contribute positively to their families, communities and Zimbabwe.”

The post Football Instead of Drugs: How One Community Coach is Using Sport to Rescue Zimbabwe’s Youth appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

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Zimbabwe’s property sector is being held back by a chronic shortage of long-term mortgage finance, with industry leaders warning that the country’s banking system is failing to provide the patient capital needed to unlock billions of dollars in investment.

Chairperson of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Mike Juru, said the absence of 25-year mortgage financing has become one of the biggest structural obstacles to growth, limiting investment in housing, commercial real estate and urban development.

“Property is a long-term investment, and we need the 25-year money,” Juru said.

“Imagine, right now, we don’t have 25-year money. We have so much construction.

“What will happen when we have 25-year money? A lot will happen. That’s our cry.”

His remarks come as Zimbabwe seeks to position construction and infrastructure as key drivers of economic growth while addressing an acute housing shortage and rapid urbanisation.

Although construction activity continues across Harare and other urban centres, developers argue that the sector remains constrained by a financial system geared towards short-term lending rather than the long-term financing that supports mature property markets.

Without affordable long-term mortgages, developers struggle to convert demand into completed sales, while many aspiring homeowners remain unable to enter the property market because short repayment periods result in unaffordable monthly instalments.

Industry executives say the consequence is a market increasingly reliant on cash buyers, corporate investors and high-net-worth individuals, reducing the sector’s broader contribution to economic growth.

Juru said Zimbabwe has already demonstrated its ability to build, but long-term financing remains the missing ingredient needed to unlock significantly greater investment.

“We have so much construction.

“What will happen when we have 25-year money? A lot will happen,” he said.

Economists argue that well-developed mortgage markets stimulate growth across multiple sectors by supporting industries such as cement and steel manufacturing, banking, insurance, engineering and construction.

Juru said restoring investor confidence would require not only greater access to long-term finance but also sustained stability in Zimbabwe’s monetary policy.

“Can we have a firm position? If we have a firm position with regards to the United States dollar, which gives confidence,” he said.

He noted that banks are reluctant to issue mortgages spanning two decades or more unless they have confidence that inflation, exchange rates and monetary policy will remain stable over the life of those loans.

Years of currency volatility and repeated policy shifts have undermined lenders’ willingness to offer long-term mortgage products.

Juru, however, welcomed recent assurances from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe regarding the future of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, saying policy consistency would be vital to rebuilding confidence.

“Today, the deputy governor presented on the future of the ZiG, giving assurances, and if we get that over 25 years, that will be good news for the real estate development sector,” he said.

Industry players argue that confidence will ultimately be measured by whether banks begin offering affordable mortgages with repayment periods comparable to those available in more developed markets.

Developers say such financing would unlock billions of dollars in investment, expand home ownership, deepen capital markets and allow pension funds and insurance companies to channel long-term savings into productive real estate projects.

They add that a stronger mortgage market would also boost demand for building materials, create employment across the construction value chain, increase tax revenues and accelerate the development of new residential suburbs, office parks, industrial estates and retail centres.

Without those reforms, industry leaders warn, Zimbabwe risks falling behind regional peers whose more mature mortgage markets have supported sustained growth in housing and commercial property.

Source – newsday

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