Bata Shoe Company has increased its capacity utilisation from 27% to 42%, with the footwear manufacturer targeting further growth of 65%.
Ahead of the Zimbabwe Industrialisation and Conference Expo (ZICE) 2026, scheduled for July 23 to 24, the company said increased capacity utilisation had been supported by improved currency stability, a better business environment and increased orders from both Government institutions and private sector players.
“Bata’s capacity utilisation has risen from 27% to 42%, with plans to increase production levels to 65% in the near future,” the company said.
Bata said the stability of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency had provided businesses with a more predictable environment, enabling companies to plan effectively, invest in operations and expand production.
“The stability of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency has provided a more predictable operating environment, allowing businesses to plan, invest and expand production.
The increase in demand for locally produced goods had played a significant role in improving operations, with institutions and consumers increasingly supporting Zimbabwean-made products,” Bata added.
Bata currently employs more than 1 000 workers directly and supports over 400 indirect jobs through its supply and distribution networks.
The company has also strengthened partnerships with small and medium enterprises operating within the leather value chain, providing opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The expansion of Bata’s operations reflects renewed activity in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector, which has been identified as a major driver of economic growth under the Government’s vision of an industrialised and self-sustaining nation.
