Local milk production in Zimbabwe rose impressively to 57 million litres during the first six months of 2025, up from 50 million litres in the same period last year. This growth was welcomed by Dr Renneth Mano, Executive Administrator of the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council, who described it as a positive indicator of the dairy sector’s expanding vitality.
Dr Mano credited this encouraging rise to the Government’s continued prioritisation of agricultural productivity and food security under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the country’s long-term economic blueprint.
“This growth signals not only the strength of current interventions but also the sector’s potential to reach full self-sufficiency,” Dr Mano said. He emphasized the need to consolidate these gains by scaling up support mechanisms, addressing sector-specific challenges, and unlocking financing opportunities to safeguard the future of dairy production in Zimbabwe.
The 57 million litres produced in the first half of 2025 form part of a steady upward trend in national milk output witnessed over the past decade. Starting from a baseline of under 90 million litres in 2016, Zimbabwe’s annual milk production exceeded 114 million litres last year, marking steady progress towards meeting local demand.
Currently, Zimbabwe’s annual milk requirement stands at approximately 130 million litres. With local production steadily rising, the country is gradually closing the gap and reducing dependence on imported dairy products. This shift has resulted in a lower import bill, increased availability of locally processed milk products, and improved foreign currency retention—benefits that ripple positively across the economy.
Looking ahead, the dairy sector is focusing on value addition as a key driver for further growth. Plans are underway to increase local processing of raw milk into high-value products such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. This strategic move aims to deepen the sector’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic development by creating jobs, stimulating local industries, and adding export potential.
Industry experts remain optimistic that with sustained government support, investment, and innovation, Zimbabwe can not only meet its national milk demand but eventually surpass it—transforming the dairy sector into a pillar of agricultural success and food security.
The upward trajectory in milk production represents more than just numbers; it reflects a sector on the rise, with growing resilience and a promising future for farmers, processors, and consumers alike.
