THE Horticulture Development Council (HDC) has requested the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (Zida) to prioritise designating blueberry producing areas as special economic zones to improve the profitability of the sector.
The council last year submitted a proposal to Zida seeking an additional 4 000 hectares for blueberry production.
HDC chief executive officer Linda Nielsen told Standardbusiness in an interview that the project needed to be prioritised for the country to achieve a US$1 billion horticulture industry by 2030.
“Significant investment is required to meet this target. Incentives to attract both local and foreign investment would go a long way in helping to meet this target by 2030,” Nielsen said.
“The sector approached the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency to consider designating blueberry production sites as Special Economic Zones.
“We believe that this will support project viability. Engagement is ongoing, and our appeal is that this be treated as a priority.”
She said the HDC strongly supports the national target to build a US$1 billion horticulture sector by 2030. "This is achievable if all stakeholders work together to create an environment that encourages investment,” Nielsen said.
“Our policy recommendations include tenure security and policy consistency to build confidence in long-term investment and financing.
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“We also recommend more infrastructure development, including in logistics and utilities.
“Fiscal support such as 100% foreign currency retention, is also necessary to support our producers.”
The HDC’s call for significant investment to expand blueberry production underscores the potential growth and economic opportunities within Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector.
“Zimbabwe has a good opportunity to increase blueberry production and become one of the leading global players in the sector,” Nielsen said.
“This would significantly benefit the economy through increased foreign currency earnings, industrialisation, and job creation.
“Through our Hub and Spoke Model, we are working to increase the number of horticulture growers. This will bring lasting economic benefits to communities.”
The nation earns US$120 million annually from exports of horticultural products including citrus, flowers, tea, avocados, blueberries and macadamia nuts.
The sector is struggling with an inconsistent policy and regulatory environment, high borrowing costs, logistics challenges and persistent concerns over land tenure.
The European Union is a major market for Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports. It is also providing technical support and funding to the sector through the European Investment Bank.
According to Nielsen, the horticultural industry employs more than 18 000 people and has the potential to increase that number by 2025, directly advancing Vision 2030.
TradeMap revealed that the global commerce in horticultural products shot up from US$251 billion in 2017 to US$298 billion in 2021.
In 2021, contributions from Europe totalled US$123 billion, Asia US$88 billion, and the United States US$44 billion.
