By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge mega-project employs 1,400 workers as power, cement, ferrochrome and fertiliser plants take shape
THE Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has commended progress at the US$3.6 billion Xintai Palm River Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone, describing the investment as a major boost to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive.
Ndlovu toured the sprawling Beitbridge project on Thursday, where he met the management and assessed developments across the industrial complex.
The visit provided an opportunity for government and Xintai to exchange views on the project’s progress and its contribution to the country’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
“What brings us here in the main is an invitation from the Palm River Special Economic Zone management to exchange notes, share their vision and update us on the progress they have made since the President visited this place,” Ndlovu said.
“I must say we are very excited about the progress that we are seeing taking place and the rollout of the project.”
The minister said the development was among the country’s largest Special Economic Zones and demonstrated the investment opportunities created by the Government’s policies.
Ndlovu said Xintai had expanded its operations beyond coal mining and coke production into power generation, ferrochrome, cement and chemical production.
The project is already generating 100 megawatts of electricity, while a ferrochrome plant is also being developed.
Of particular interest to the minister was the cement plant, which is expected to be completed in October, with production targeted for the end of the year.
A chemical plant is also under construction and is expected to produce fertiliser, with operations projected to begin by the middle of next year.
Ndlovu said the scale of the investment underlined the need for continued cooperation between government and the private sector.
“So, this is just how big the project is, and we have been able to exchange notes on how important it is to support their vision, as they are also supporting the President’s Vision 2030,” he said.
Xintai chief executive officer Yangten Zhao said the company was committed to developing the industrial park in line with its long-term investment plans.
The development covers 5,163 hectares and is being rolled out in five phases over a 12-year period.
While the project is expected to create about 2,000 jobs when fully developed, more than 1,400 workers are already employed at the site.
Zhao welcomed the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda, saying the project was contributing to the country’s industrialisation and economic development objectives.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Matabeleland South and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for championing rural industrialisation.
His remarks were delivered by Maxwell Muvondori.
Nguluvhe said the Palm River development reflected the Government’s commitment to ensuring that economic opportunities were spread across the country.
“Distinguished guests, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, President E. D. Mnangagwa, for providing inspiring leadership in the rural industrialisation agenda and many other fields, as he emphasises important concepts such as leaving no place and no one behind,” he said.
The Palm River project was officially launched by President Mnangagwa in February 2025.
With investments spanning energy, mining, metals, cement and chemicals, the development is expected to strengthen value addition and local production while positioning Beitbridge as an emerging industrial hub.
The project’s progress also provides a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s drive to attract large-scale investment and accelerate industrialisation under Vision 2030.