Zimpapers Logo

Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE’S foundry industry is poised to grow 2-3 percent this year.

The sector is crucial for the country’s industrialisation and economic turnaround, with iron and steel being one of the 10 priority value chains under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

According to Mr Dosman Mangisi, chief operations officer of the Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries (ZIF), retooling is essential for the sector’s growth and increased capacity utilisation.

“In 2025, the foundry sector is looking to grow with a significant figure of about two to three percent, taking into account the Dinson Iron and Steel production, which brings the availability of raw material although there are some areas that need to be addressed, especially retooling, which is key and important to uphold the issue of innovation,” said Mr Mangisi.

“We have Zimbabweans who are doing wonders in the automotive industry and many of these are done outside the country. As a sector, we are looking forward to attracting these innovations into the country so that we see the re-industrialisation of the metal sector.

Mr Dosman Mangisi

“Government should come up with user-friendly policies that will also help financiers and other stakeholders to participate freely without fearing losses.”

The US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) plant in Manhize has commenced production, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrial revival drive.

Pig iron production started last year following the successful completion of test runs.

The milestone development has ignited a spark of hope for Zimbabwe’s industrial revival drive, confirmation of the Second Republic’s commitment to transforming the economy in line with the ambitious roadmap towards a prosperous upper middle-income status before 2030.

Pig iron, the initial product of the blast furnace, serves as the foundation for further steel production. The company commenced steel billet production in July, a vital raw material for various industrial applications.

Experts believe that Disco will bring ease of doing business in the metal casting industry, making Zimbabwe a leading giant in foundry production.

However, challenges persist, including the need for retooling and investment in modern technology. Mr Mangisi emphasised that “what we want is enhanced quality in terms of material . . . but production will be enhanced when retooling takes place”.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has welcomed improvements in power supplies, which is expected to boost industry productivity.

Mr Louis Herbst, ZNCC southern region vice-president, noted that “the recent improvements in electricity supply are nothing short of transformative”.

He said in recent months, businesses had grappled with frequent outages and erratic power fluctuations, severely impeding production schedules and complicating the management of daily operations.

“This unpredictability compelled companies to invest heavily in costly backup systems, such as generators, and solar, and often forced them to operate at reduced capacity, an approach that not only eroded profitability but also stifled growth,” he said.

“The relentless need to adapt to power shortages diverted vital resources away from innovation and expansion, reducing many firms to a state of reactive survival rather than proactive advancement.” — @SikhulekelaniM1.