A major industrial investment is set to transform Chegutu after Chinese investor Broxmen Industrial Park committed at least US$500 million towards the development of a Coal-to-Chemicals Complex that will begin producing fertiliser by 2028.
The landmark project is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s fertiliser production capacity, strengthen food security and create hundreds of employment opportunities, while reinforcing the country’s drive towards industrialisation and value addition.
The investment comes at a time when Government reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business continue to attract large-scale investments into Mashonaland West Province across various sectors.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, welcomed the investment, saying it demonstrates growing investor confidence in the province and Zimbabwe’s economic policies.
“This investment is a clear vote of confidence in Mashonaland West Province and in Zimbabwe’s economic policies under the Second Republic.
“The proposed fertiliser plant will play a critical role in supporting agricultural productivity and food security, which remain key pillars in the attainment of Vision 2030. Projects of this nature create jobs, stimulate industrial growth and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our communities,” she said.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining an enabling environment for investors and ensuring the successful implementation of strategic projects.
Broxmen Industrial Park, which also operates the Sunny Yifeng tile manufacturing plant in Norton, is simultaneously constructing a US$40 million, 60-megawatt power plant that is scheduled for commissioning in September this year.
Speaking on the project, Broxmen Industrial Park Public Relations Officer Youliang Xiao described the fertiliser plant as a strategic long-term investment that will contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
“This Coal-to-Chemicals Complex represents a major milestone in our long-term investment strategy in Zimbabwe. The project will require an investment of approximately US$500 million and is expected to commence production in 2028.
“Once operational, the plant will produce 350 000 tonnes of urea and 200 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate annually. We believe this investment will not only improve local fertiliser availability but also reduce import dependency and create opportunities for exports into the regional market,” said Xiao.
Xiao said the project would also create employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases while promoting value addition to local resources.
The Coal-to-Chemicals Complex is expected to become one of the country’s most significant industrial developments, contributing to the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 while accelerating Zimbabwe’s journey towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Excellent news for Chegutu and Zimbabwe. This massive investment will create jobs, boost industrialisation and strengthen local fertiliser production, supporting both economic growth and agricultural development.