The Zimbabwean government is implementing sweeping reforms that will require flour mills, animal feed producers, and food processing industries to rely more heavily on locally grown crops, in an effort to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the national agricultural sector.
Starting April 1, agro-processing companies must source at least 40% of their raw materials from local farmers, according to new regulations set forth in Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025.
The policy is intended to be a phased transition, with a gradual increase in the local sourcing requirement until full compliance is achieved by 2028.
The proposal, presented last year by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, led by Minister Anxious Masuka, represents a significant shift in how the country supplies its food and processing sectors.
Between 2010 and 2024, Zimbabwe’s imports of essential agricultural products—such as oilseeds (soybeans, sunflower seeds, and cotton seeds, among others)—saw a substantial increase, with the total value more than doubling. These expenditures rose from $142 million to $346 million, according to the Zimbabwean newspaper The Herald.
In addition, Zimbabwe’s total food imports reached approximately $976.1 million in 2024, representing a significant increase of 55.2% compared to the $628.9 million recorded in 2023. This increase was driven primarily by the purchase of grains and oilseeds, necessitated by a drought caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon.
To further bolster domestic production, the new laws include a price protection policy. The legislation stipulates that if imported products enter the country at a lower cost than the local production of identical goods, the difference will be channeled into an Agricultural Revolving Fund.
The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU) welcomed the new regulations, describing them as a progressive step toward strengthening local agriculture.
“By protecting domestic markets, the regulations help retain value within our agricultural sector, support livelihoods in rural communities, and contribute to broader goals of rural resilience and climate-smart agriculture,” the organization stated.
“The ZFU reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with the government, processors, input suppliers, and extension services to ensure that local farmers are prepared to respond to the opportunities created by these regulations,” it added.
On the other hand, some industry stakeholders have expressed concern about the law’s impact on their ability to source cheaper imports from the international market.
Source: Business Insider Africa
