Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen its rural industrial base are gaining traction as the country moves to reduce its reliance on imports and shield its economy from global disruptions, The Herald reported.
With rising global uncertainties exposing vulnerabilities in fuel supply, the government is stepping up investments in local biofuel production as part of its broader energy security strategy. A key development in this push is the expansion of the Mutoko Bioeconomy Industrial Park into a full-scale industrial hub.
The facility, located near Mutoko Centre and developed by Finealt Engineering under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, is set to be officially commissioned next month. The project is part of wider efforts to reduce the country’s annual fuel import bill, which exceeds $1.5 billion.
Originally launched in 2006 as a small jatropha-based pilot, the Mutoko project has grown into an integrated industrial park producing biodiesel, cooking oil and soap. The upgraded biodiesel plant is expected to significantly boost output, marking a major step towards increasing domestic fuel production.
Work at the site is nearing completion, with most infrastructure in place and some production units already operational. Officials say the project is in its final stages, with testing underway ahead of commissioning.
Beyond fuel production, the facility is also supporting local farmers by sourcing raw materials such as sunflower and jatropha, while creating employment and contributing to rural economic activity.
