By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, officially commissioned the 6th and 7th phases of the Varun Beverages Expansion Project today, marking another positive step in the country’s industrial growth.
This development follows the President’s earlier commissioning of the 4th and 5th phases in April of the previous year.
The latest phase of the project focuses on the production of beverages and snacks, catering to the increasing demand in both sectors. The 7th phase specifically targets the snacks market, with Varun Beverages securing a franchise from PepsiCo Holdings to manufacture, distribute, and sell Simba Munchiez, a well-known snack brand under the PepsiCo umbrella.
During the event, President Mnangagwa also distributed Pepsi pushcarts to women entrepreneurs, aimed at empowering them with entrepreneurial opportunities while expanding the reach of the Pepsi brand.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering economic inclusion and supporting women in business leaving no one and no place behind.
In his address at the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa highlighted the significance of ongoing investments in Zimbabwe’s economy.
“The increasing number of investments in our economy is a show of confidence in the robust measures implemented by my administration. This continues to create an enabling business environment, making Zimbabwe a more lucrative place to do business,” he stated.
The President further called upon local authorities to play their part in supporting business growth.
“I urge our local authorities to consistently ensure the provision of reliable services for business as well as the general citizenry. As you are aware, over the past four years, Zimbabwe has been one of the better performing economies in the region,” he added.
He also encouraged local business leaders to expand their operations nationwide.
“Let me, therefore, exhort all business, industry, and commerce players to diversify their operations into all provinces to the reach of grassroots communities,” he said.
The commissioning of the Varun Beverages Expansion Project represents not only a boost to local manufacturing and job creation but also reinforces the government’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a regional economic powerhouse through strategic partnerships and investments.