Sharleen Mohammed

Government, through the Mutapa Investment Fund, has stepped in to revive Dorowa mine, the country’s sole producer of phosphate by injecting US$5.3 million, a move aimed at boosting local fertilizer production, cutting reliance on imports, and protecting farmers from expensive and potentially harmful chemicals. 

The fund plans to release an additional US$11 million to ensure the mine reaches full capacity by March next year, producing 150,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate annually.

This intervention comes as part of a broader plan to strengthen Zimbabwe’s fertilizer value chain, create jobs, and safeguard food security. Zimbabwe is the only country in the region with proven phosphate deposits suitable for food-grade fertilizers, free from harmful metals such as cadmium and lead, which can pose serious health risks.

Speaking during a Parliamentary Committee on Industry and Commerce tour of ZimPhos, Mutapa Investment Funds, head of investments / agriculture and Industrials Mr Tatenda Chimusoro said  the funding is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing local production and reducing the country’s reliance on costly imports that have been driving fertilizer prices up. 

 "This funding is aimed at increasing phosphate output from Dorowa so that Zimphos can blend more fertilizer locally." Tatenda Chimusoro explained.

He added: " Our goal is to cut back imports, reduce costs for farmers, and create jobs along the value chain.

Over the years, reduced capacity at Dorowa Mine has forced Zimbabwe to import the bulk of its phosphate needs, an expensive workaround that not only inflated prices but also introduced risks, as some imported fertilizers contained harmful heavy metals. 

Speaking at the same event, Zimphos, Board Chairperson Dr Linos Mapfumo said the investment aligns closely with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). 

Dr Mapfumo explained company’s role in adding value: “Today, the company converts phosphates mined from Dorowa into basal fertilisers known as NPK, applied during planting. This ensures high-quality fertilizer is available to farmers across the country.”

"The Government, through the Mutapa Fund and the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ), holds a substantial stake in the fertilizer sector. Chemplex Corporation, which oversees Zimphos, Dorowa Minerals, and several other key players, remains the country’s largest producer. " Dr Mapfumo said.

Honourable Clemence Chiduwa, chairperson of the Industry and Commerce Portfolio Committee, welcomed the move, describing the revival of Dorowa Mine as vital for national food security.

“When our farmers access fertilizer that is both affordable and safe, we’re not only improving agricultural productivity but also protecting public health. Local production ensures price stability, reduces risks, and helps more Zimbabweans earn a livelihood throughout the value chain,” Chiduwa said.

Zimbabwe currently imports significant amounts of fertilizer, which often comes at higher costs and may contain chemicals harmful to health. By reviving Dorowa Mine, the country expects to lower prices for farmers, create jobs, and strengthen the agricultural sector through local production and value addition.

Zimbabwe currently imports significant amounts of fertiliser, which often comes at higher costs and may contain chemicals harmful to health. By reviving Dorowa Mine, the country expects to lower prices for farmers, create jobs, and strengthen the agricultural sector through local production and value addition.

“The Mutapa Investment Fund’s intervention is timely,” said Chimusoro. “With the mine fully operational by March, we can secure a sustainable supply of fertilisers, protect our farmers, and reduce reliance on imported products.”