Zimbabwe is steadily moving toward self-sufficiency in milk production, with national output rising to more than 120 million litres in 2025, up from 114 million litres in 2024.
The latest figures, released on Monday by the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, show sustained growth under the Second Republic’s drive to modernise and expand the dairy sector.
According to the association, the country is now approaching its annual national requirement of around 130 million litres. Non-commercial milk production, mostly consumed at household level, is estimated at seven million litres for 2025.
“From a baseline of 70 million litres in 2020, production has steadily increased, recording a six percent growth from 2024 to 2025. This trend shows that Zimbabwe is on course to achieve milk self-sufficiency. The favourable rains, combined with supportive policies on pricing and the ease of doing business, have played a critical role,” said Paidamoyo Chadoka, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers.
Sector representatives say the rising output is generating ripple effects across the economy.
“Increased local production has a multiplier effect: it generates employment, stabilises prices, and ensures greater availability of milk on formal retail shelves. There are still areas to improve, but the trajectory is encouraging,” said Paul Zakariya, Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union.
With milk self-sufficiency now within reach, Zimbabwe is on course to meet the dairy production targets set under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), further strengthening the country’s agricultural development and food security agenda.
