Harare, 28 May 2025 – Nestlé announced today a US$7 million investment to upgrade its cereal manufacturing facility in Harare, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s status as a strategic hub for breakfast cereal production in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). The expansion, highlighted by the installation of a fourth roller dryer dedicated to Nestlé CEREVITA, will boost the factory’s capacity by more than 35 per cent, ensuring greater supply to domestic markets and key export destinations including Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
This investment is a clear proof point of Nestlé’s Africa for Africa strategy, which champions local manufacturing, sourcing and talent development to build more self‑reliant food systems across the continent. “It reflects how we are embedding our Virtuous Circle model — sourcing from local farmers, investing in local talent, manufacturing locally and exporting regionally,” said Nicole Roos, Managing Director and Chairperson of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region. “Zimbabwe is not just a market; it is a valued contributor to a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable food system for Africa.”
Operating in Zimbabwe for more than 60 years, Nestlé Zimbabwe employs over 400 people directly and indirectly, and supports more than 350 local suppliers and smallholder farmers. The Harare factory forms part of a broader US$40 million programme to scale cereal and coffee production across ESAR. Its recent accolade as First Runner‑Up for Manufacturing Exporter of the Year 2025 by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce underlines its pivotal role in driving trade and economic growth.
The upgrade will not only enhance production and export capacity but also advance Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 by promoting industrialisation, job creation and food security. At the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon. N.M. Ndhlovu praised Nestlé’s contribution: “This momentous occasion signifies yet another milestone in Nestlé’s journey of resilience, growth and development in Zimbabwe. It is a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to our nation.”
Khaled Ramadan, Managing Director of Nestlé East Africa, underscored the regional impact: “Our brands, like CEREVITA, are trusted by families across Southern Africa. With this expansion, we are better equipped to meet rising demand while contributing to stronger local economies, sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods.”
Beyond manufacturing, Nestlé remains committed to youth empowerment through graduate trainee and technical training programmes. Its sustainability agenda focuses on local sourcing, water and energy efficiency, and responsible waste management, exemplified by the factory’s state‑of‑the‑art industrial water treatment plant.
By amplifying Zimbabwe’s cereal production capabilities, Nestlé’s US$7 million investment not only secures supply for millions of breakfasts but also reinforces a shared vision of regional integration, economic resilience and a more inclusive food ecosystem across Africa.
