Sugar and horticulture: pillars of Zimbabwe's agricultural future

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is seeing remarkable growth in 2025, with both sugar production and horticultural exports pushing the industry forward

According to IH Securities' 2025 Agriculture Sector Report, the country’s agricultural output is now on track to exceed the US$13.75bn mark by the end of the year, following the impressive US$8.2bn milestone in 2021.

Key drivers of this expansion include improved rainfall, significant government investment in infrastructure like dams, and a renewed focus on high-value crops such as horticulture. This revival is expected to bolster the economy and enhance food security, especially after a challenging 2024 marked by the El Niño-induced drought.

Sugar production remains a staple of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy. Major producers, including Hippo Valley and Triangle, surpassed national requirements with over 440,000 tonnes in the 2024/25 season. Exports also soared, with Hippo Valley’s sugar shipments increasing by 364%, reaching 15,711 tonnes in just the first quarter. However, local consumption is under pressure, with high costs due to a 30% surtax on imports and a recently adjusted sugar tax. “The recently imposed 30 percent surtax on imports has helped local processors remain competitive, though major off-takers battle with additional costs,” explained IH Securities.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector is on an upward trajectory, led by avocados and blueberries. Avocado production jumped by 164% from 2017 to 2024, establishing Zimbabwe as Africa’s fifth-largest producer. With global demand rising, exports of blueberries have surged by 351% from 2020 to 2024, reaching about US$50mn. The sector’s growth is further supported by initiatives like the Horticultural Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP), which aims to inject US$66.5mn into smallholder farming.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports are expected to hit US$2bn by 2030, with demand for products like blueberries, avocados, and sugar peas driving this growth.

As the country diversifies its agricultural exports, the sector is poised to overcome domestic challenges and secure new streams of revenue, fortifying Zimbabwe’s economic future.