ZIMBABWE has unveiled a robust US$1,4 billion agricultural investment package to global financiers, targeting seven high-impact value chains as the country positions itself to meet domestic needs and secure lucrative export markets.

The pitch was made at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, where Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the thrust is anchored on the Zimbabwe Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS).

The country has identified 42 agricultural value chains but narrowed down its pitch to seven priority areas for targeted impact—blueberries, dairy, beef, maize, sunflowers, soyabeans and poultry.

We are in Dakar, Senegal, where we are meeting investors in agriculture. As Zimbabwe, we have our investment pitch anchored on the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS).

“We are saying Zimbabwe is open to develop these value chains to fulfil internal requirements and also for exports. The total package of US$1,4 billion has been pitched to ensure that we develop these value chains,” Prof Jiri said.

According to the Zimbabwe Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Investment Roadmap (ZAFSRTIR), sector-specific requirements include maize (US$468 million), soyabeans (US$403 million), sunflower (US$251,9 million), blueberry (US$23,7 million), beef (US$45,2 million), dairy (US$71,4 million), eggs (US$15,1 million) and broilers (US$143,3 million).