Dairy Farming & Processing
Dairy · Primary production, processing and breeding
Zimbabwe's raw milk production is 70 million litres against national demand of 130 million litres — a 60 million litre annual shortfall creating opportunities across production, processing and heifer breeding.
The dairy sector consists of small-, medium- and large-scale dairy farmers, processors, input suppliers, financial service providers, farmer and industry organisations and Government. Milk production is dominated by 85 large and medium-scale commercial dairy farms which contribute 88% of total milk production output, while 4,528 small-scale dairy farmers contribute the remaining 12%. Processing of milk is dominated by five large-scale dairy processors handling 85% of the milk, with 27 registered small-scale processors and 12 medium-scale processors handling 8% and 2% respectively. The balance of 5% is sold through the informal market.
Milk production is largely dominated by 85 large and medium-scale commercial dairy farms contributing 88% of output. The remainder of the value chain includes 5 large-scale processors (85% of milk processed), 27 small-scale processors (8%), 12 medium-scale processors (2%) and 5% informal market.
Where the capital goes.
The production of raw milk is below the national demand of 130 million litres against production of 70 million litres per annum — a 60 million litre gap. There is room for further expansion of milk production to supply the local market. There are approximately 20 dairy heifer breeders in the country, mostly large-scale farmers breeding for their own herd growth. Annual heifer sales are 200–300 with potential to grow to 500–1,000. Opportunities span primary milk production, large- and medium-scale processing, small-scale processor consolidation, and dedicated heifer breeding.
Numbers from the prospectus.
Local demand, export demand and production gaps.
Why Zimbabwe.
Approximately 33 million hectares of arable land for crop and livestock production.
Over 10,000 small, medium and large dams — potential to irrigate up to 2 million hectares.
Temperate climate favourable across five agro-ecological regions.
Strong human capital base with a 90% literacy rate.
Strategic location on the North-South Corridor — regional logistics hub.
Preferential market access through SADC, COMESA, ACP, AfCFTA and WTO.
Multi-currency system eliminating exchange rate risk; dividends and profits freely remittable.
Investment Promotion & Protection Agreements (bilateral and multilateral).
Enabling infrastructure.
Why invest in this opportunity.
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