Swiss food giant Nestlé has made a significant investment of $7 million to enhance its breakfast cereal manufacturing facility located in Harare, Zimbabwe. This “strategic upgrade” at Nestlé’s sole plant in Zimbabwe includes the installation of a fourth roller dryer, specifically for producing its popular wheat-based cereal brand, Cerevita.
According to a statement from the company provided, this upgrade will enhance the plant’s production capacity by over 35%. As a result, Nestlé aims to increase its supply to domestic markets while also facilitating exports to neighboring countries such as Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
This investment reinforces Zimbabwe’s strategic role as a manufacturing hub for breakfast cereals in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). Furthermore, it aligns with Nestlé’s “Africa for Africa” strategy, which focuses on local sourcing and manufacturing, thereby fostering self-reliant food systems across the continent.
Nicole Roos, managing director and chairperson of Nestlé ESAR, emphasized, “The investment reflects how we are embedding our ‘virtuous circle’ model – sourcing from local farmers, investing in local talent, manufacturing locally, and exporting regionally.” She added, “Zimbabwe is not just a market; it is a valued contributor to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system for Africa.”
Having operated for over 60 years, Nestlé’s business in Zimbabwe directly and indirectly employs more than 400 individuals. Khaled Ramadan, Nestlé’s managing director for East Africa, remarked, “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.”
The Harare facility is integral to a broader $40 million investment initiative by Nestlé, aimed at elevating cereal and coffee production throughout the ESAR. Notably, in November 2020, Nestlé invested over $2.5 million in the cereal manufacturing plant, establishing a new production line that increased output by more than 30%.
