By Violet Mashonga
Mashonaland West is poised for a major economic boost as Berry Tech Investments (Pvt) Ltd advances an ambitious multi-million-dollar development that combines energy generation, mining and agricultural support.
The company is constructing a stone quarry, a 50-megawatt power plant along Chegutu Road, and a fertilizer production facility—projects expected to ease energy shortages while strengthening agricultural output across the province.
The investment has already created employment for about 200 people, most of them drawn from surrounding communities, with raw materials set to be sourced from nearby farms.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo, toured the project site, commending the investment as a clear demonstration of growing confidence in Mashonaland West’s economic potential.
She assured investors that government would work closely with local leadership to resolve land-related matters as development activities continue to expand in the province.
“We encourage you to respect the traditional rituals and shrines of this area, as they are an important part of our cultural heritage,” Minister Chombo said, emphasizing the need for development that remains sensitive to local customs.
The minister noted that the project dovetails with government’s efforts to create a conducive investment climate as Zimbabwe moves toward the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). She described Mashonaland West as a key driver of national growth.
“This province is a breadbasket of Zimbabwe’s economic development, and projects like this will elevate Mashonaland West to its rightful status,” Chombo said.
She added that plans are underway to attract more industries, improve infrastructure and fully unlock the province’s agricultural potential.
Berry Tech Investments’ management echoed the minister’s sentiments, highlighting that the power plant and fertilizer facility will directly benefit local farmers, reduce reliance on imports and contribute to energy security.
The company pledged to uphold strong relations with surrounding communities and respect cultural practices throughout both construction and operation phases.
The visit reflects government’s “Whole of Government, Whole of Economy” approach, which seeks to streamline investment processes, cut red tape and provide targeted support to investors.
Under Minister Chombo’s leadership, Mashonaland West has recorded notable growth across multiple sectors, with this latest investment cited as further evidence of an improving ease-of-doing-business environment.
With momentum building, the province is being positioned as a future economic powerhouse, aligning with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by 2030—while ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
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