Afdis to Invest US$10 Million in Expansion Project...

Afdis to Invest US$10 Million in Expansion Projects

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

African Distillers has announced plans to invest over US$10 million in expansion projects as part of its growth strategy, while calling on the government to urgently address the high cost of importing glass packaging a key constraint on local production.

The announcement came during a visit by the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce, Thomas Utete Wushe, to the Afdis plant in Mt Hampden, under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024–2025). The visit was part of routine engagements aimed at assessing the performance of local industries and facilitating public-private collaboration.

Afdis, which currently employs 433 workers, commended recent government efforts to crack down on smuggling and counterfeit products particularly the recent ban on the illicit homebrew known as tumbwa saying these measures have had a positive impact on productivity and market confidence.

The company reported a 15 percent increase in sales for the full year ending March 2025, driven by strong performances across its product segments. Volumes of wine surged by 29 percent, ready-to-drink beverages by 21 percent, and spirits by 7 percent. Afdis attributed the growth to a strategic shift in its distribution model, which prioritized independent traders over the struggling formal retail sector. “The ongoing shift of the route to market to the independent trade played a pivotal role in driving volumes,” the company noted in its latest trading update.

However, Afdis highlighted the continued reliance on imported glass bottles as a major concern. The company urged the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to accelerate efforts to develop local glass manufacturing capacity and reduce Zimbabwe’s import bill.

Responding to the concern, Dr. Wushe acknowledged the issue and confirmed that government is working on solutions to encourage local production of critical packaging materials. “We are fully aware of the challenges faced by manufacturers who rely on imported inputs. Solving the glass import issue is part of our broader strategy to support industrial growth and reduce forex outflows,” he said.

Afdis, one of Zimbabwe’s leading beverage manufacturers, holds a diverse portfolio of brands including Viceroy and Klipdrift brandy, Smirnoff vodka, Sting spirit cooler, Amarula cream liqueur, Hunters and Savanna ciders, and wines like Nederburg and 4th Street.

Looking ahead, the company expressed optimism about Zimbabwe’s economic outlook, citing anticipated growth in agriculture, mining, tourism, and infrastructure as drivers of sustained consumer demand.

The planned US$10 million investment will support capacity expansion, innovation, and improved market reach positioning Afdis to capitalize on renewed economic momentum while contributing to national employment and revenue generation.