President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today commissioning the Mutare Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Smart Silos and launching the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2026–2030, a landmark event set to redefine Zimbabwe’s agricultural and rural development landscape.
The commissioning of the state-of-the-art smart silos marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise post-harvest infrastructure, enhance national food security, and reduce post-harvest losses.
The silos, equipped with advanced digital monitoring systems, will enable real-time tracking of grain stocks and improve efficiency in grain handling and storage across the country.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, said the initiative aligns with the Second Republic’s vision of transforming agriculture into a US$13.5 billion industry by 2025.
“The commissioning of these smart silos demonstrates President Mnangagwa’s unwavering commitment to building resilience in our food systems.
We are moving towards a future where technology drives agricultural productivity, transparency, and accountability,” he said
Dr. Masuka added that the new Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (2026–2030) will build on the successes of the previous agricultural frameworks, focusing on productivity growth, climate resilience, and inclusive rural development.
“This strategy is about empowering farmers, improving value chains, and ensuring that every Zimbabwean benefits from the land reform and agricultural transformation agenda,” he said.
According to the GMB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edson Badarai, the smart silo project is a game-changer for the parastatal’s operations.
“Through automation and digital control systems, we are minimising wastage and improving grain quality preservation.
These facilities will also strengthen GMB’s ability to respond efficiently to market demands and food security emergencies,” he explained
The launch of the new strategy comes at a critical time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to strengthen its agricultural base as a key driver of economic growth and rural industrialisation.
The event underscores government’s commitment to realising Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve an upper middle-income economy through sustainable and technology-driven agriculture
