Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector is witnessing a notable turnaround, with annual exports soaring to over US$120 million.
This resurgence marks a pivotal moment for the industry, showcasing the country’s potential to become a key player in the global agricultural market.
The sector has performed well since 2017, when it struggled to break the US$20 million barrier.
Strategic investments in high-value crops, particularly blueberries and avocados, have fueled this growth.
In 2024 alone, Zimbabwe exported 8 000 tonnes of blueberries, with projections set to reach 12 000 tonnes in 2025.
The global blueberry market, valued at nearly US$10 billion, presents significant opportunities for further expansion.
According to a report from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, a well-developed horticulture industry can significantly reduce trade deficits and dependency on primary commodities.
It highlights the potential to create hundreds of thousands of rural and urban jobs and enable inclusive growth through SME and smallholder integration, generating foreign exchange and fiscal revenues.
The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (2026-2030) emphasises the importance of diversifying export markets and improving sector coordination.
Since its implementation, Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector has rebounded, with production values skyrocketing from US$1 million in 2018 to US$50 million by 2024.
The sector has experienced a 351 percent surge in volumes since 2020, underscoring its dynamic growth.
In addition to blueberries, Zimbabwe has achieved self-sufficiency in Irish potato production and is seeing increases in sweet potato and pineapple yields.
The Government has supported these initiatives, providing resources like elite virus-free vines to enhance rural production.
As Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry continues to flourish, the over US$120 million in exports reflects not just economic growth but also the potential for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.
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