Zimbabwe's Local Milk Production Reduces Dairy Import Costs Significantly

Zimbabwe has experienced a notable improvement in its dairy sector, significantly reducing its dependency on imported dairy products. The country's local milk production increased from 80 million litres in the previous year to 90 million litres this year, contributing to a reduction in the dairy import bill by more than 20%. The import costs declined from over USD 15 million in the first nine months of last year to below USD 10 million for the same period this year.

Themba Mutsvairo, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust, highlighted these developments, stating that the increase in local output is helping to reduce the national milk deficit. This progress aligns with Zimbabwe's target of producing 130 million litres of milk annually, moving the nation closer to achieving self-sufficiency in dairy production.

Increased local production not only helps in achieving self-sufficiency but also benefits local markets by improving the availability of milk and dairy products, which in turn enhances household nutrition and health, particularly in rural communities. The higher milk output allows local processing firms to operate at greater capacities, creating a stable pricing regime for consumers.

The growth in production is also seen as a profitable opportunity for farmers, especially smallholders, offering regular cash income and improving rural living standards. The thriving dairy value chain is generating job opportunities across various stages, from farming to processing, and is empowering women and youth through involvement in the industry, such as local feed processing businesses and technical services.