Chiwenga Tours Turkish Firm as Zimbabwe Seeks Agricultural Investment

By Simba Zimunya

Zimbabwe is seeking to attract investment from Turkish companies into its agricultural sector, with Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga touring Cantek Group in Antalya, Türkiye, to explore opportunities in cold storage and meat processing.

The visit focused on the Turkish company's specialised technologies and industrial solutions, which include cold storage facilities, slaughterhouses and meat processing plants.

Cantek Group provides integrated food storage and processing infrastructure, including the design, manufacturing and installation of facilities for red meat, poultry and fish processing. The company says it has completed projects in more than 75 countries.

Zimbabwe Targets Gaps in Agricultural Value Chains

The potential investment comes as Zimbabwe seeks to move beyond primary agricultural production towards greater processing, preservation and value addition.

Cold storage infrastructure is particularly important in reducing post-harvest losses, maintaining food quality and extending the shelf life of agricultural and livestock products.

Modern meat processing facilities could also help strengthen the livestock value chain by improving processing capacity, hygiene standards, product quality and access to markets.

For Zimbabwe, investment in these areas could create opportunities for farmers, livestock producers, processors, transport operators and other businesses involved in agricultural supply chains.

Turkish Investment Engagement Expands

Chiwenga's engagement with Cantek comes amid broader efforts to strengthen economic relations between Zimbabwe and Türkiye.

On the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Chiwenga also met Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yılmaz, with discussions covering cooperation in agriculture, mining, mineral beneficiation and industry.

Zimbabwe has proposed establishing a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation with Türkiye in the first quarter of 2027 to provide a framework for advancing bilateral trade and investment initiatives.

The discussions also included opportunities for Turkish investors to explore Zimbabwe's special economic zones, while the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) was expected to engage Turkish businesses.

Investment Interest Must Translate into Projects

Although the Cantek tour highlights Zimbabwe's interest in attracting specialised agricultural technology and investment, the visit should not be interpreted as confirmation that an investment agreement has been signed.

Any eventual project would need to progress through investment negotiations, financing arrangements, feasibility assessments and implementation planning.

The broader opportunity lies in establishing infrastructure that enables Zimbabwean farmers and businesses to preserve, process and market agricultural products more efficiently.

If the investment discussions produce concrete projects, improved cold-chain capacity and modern meat processing infrastructure could contribute to agricultural value addition, employment creation and stronger food supply chains.

For now, the focus remains on turning diplomatic and business engagements into practical investment commitments that support Zimbabwe's productive sectors.

By Simba Zimunya