Zimbabwe approves 10-year sugarcane plan to boost production, ethanol and green industrial growth

Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Industry Development Plan (2026–2035), setting out a long-term roadmap to transform the country’s sugar sector into a globally competitive, climate-resilient and innovation-led industry while expanding production and value-added activities.

The strategy was presented to Cabinet by Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Fredrick Shava in his role as Acting Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning, New Zimbabwe reported.

The plan aims to significantly raise productivity across the sugar industry and accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices while creating new opportunities in downstream industries connected to sugarcane.

According to Shava, the vision is to position Zimbabwe as a leading producer of sugarcane and sugarcane-derived products by 2035 through diversification, industrial expansion and greater value addition.

A major focus of the strategy will be increasing production beyond conventional sugar manufacturing by expanding ethanol output, renewable energy generation and industrial applications from sugarcane by-products. The plan also promotes the development of bio-fertilisers, stock feed, bio-plastics and other products made from molasses and bagasse.

Shava said the strategy is designed to modernise the industry and strengthen its long-term viability. Planned interventions include infrastructure upgrades, productivity improvements, renewable energy development, research and innovation, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, private investors, development partners, academic institutions and local communities.

The government expects the programme to make the sugar industry a stronger driver of sustainable economic growth, employment generation and green industrial development.

Implementation of the strategy will be guided by seven pillars: enabling policy and regulatory systems; improving productivity and climate resilience; promoting product diversification; strengthening markets and value chains; advancing research and technology; supporting inclusive growth and smallholder participation; and expanding access to finance and investment.

According to the government, improved financing access, expanded irrigation systems and stronger institutional support are expected to increase sugarcane cultivation area and improve crop yields.

Authorities also expect more efficient production systems to reduce unit costs, improve market competitiveness and support stronger regional and international positioning of Zimbabwe’s sugar sector.

Higher processing capacity is expected to support increased ethanol production and stronger export performance while improving profitability across the value chain.

Under the targets set for 2035, Zimbabwe plans to raise sugarcane yields from 81 metric tonnes per hectare to 110 metric tonnes per hectare.

Annual sugar production is projected to increase from 400,000 metric tonnes to 500,000 metric tonnes, while ethanol production is targeted to rise sharply from 155 million litres to 600 million litres per year.

The strategy also aims to increase electricity generation linked to the industry from 23 megawatts to 200 megawatts and double annual sugar exports from 100,000 metric tonnes to 200,000 metric tonnes.