Source: Zimbabwe delegation in Benin to unlock agro export potential – herald
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
THE Government, in collaboration with ARISE and Afreximbank, is spearheading transformative projects under the Export Agriculture on Food Security Initiative (EAFSI) to enhance food security and boost agricultural exports.
The focal point of this initiative is the Gokwe Cotton Seed Processing Project, which aims to integrate cotton, sunflower, and soyabean value chains to achieve a processing capacity of 500 tonnes per day.
Recognising the importance of practical insights, a high-level delegation from Zimbabwe has embarked on a benchmarking visit to the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin.
This visit is crucial for shaping the implementation of Zimbabwe’s industrial agricultural projects.
GDIZ, successfully developed by ARISE with the support of Afreximbank, serves as a proven model of agro-industrial transformation, characterised by strong Government facilitation and strategic partnerships.
During their engagement with GDIZ management and key ministries in Benin, the delegation aims to gather insights on operational efficiency, stakeholder coordination, and private sector engagement.
These lessons will help refine Zimbabwe’s strategies for cotton and oilseed processing, ensuring both sustainability and scalability.
Furthermore, the visit fosters cross-country collaboration, allowing Zimbabwe to align its agricultural goals with established models, thereby reducing implementation risks and accelerating the impact of EAFSI.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos, emphasised the need to enhance production and strengthen the textile value chain in Zimbabwe.
“We can share ideas on how Cottco can improve relations with farmers, whether it’s agronomy or input supply. The value addition is massive; the benefit is about tenfold from raw cotton. It’s an opportunity for us to industrialise our rural areas and contribute to Vision 2030,” he said.
This visit marks a significant step towards enhancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, aiming for a robust and sustainable future.
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