Zimbabwe’s citrus exports grew by 12 percent to US$14.5 million between January and September this year, up from US$13 million during the same period in 2024, according to figures from ZimStats.
Export volumes also rose by 10 percent, from 62 million kilogrammes to 68 million kilogrammes, reflecting a strong recovery in the horticulture sector.
The growth has been driven by new investments in large-scale citrus farms across the country.
Toppick Investments has begun developing an 800-hectare citrus project, while Orange Ville is investing US$30 million in plantations expected to cover 3,000 hectares by 2030.
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Schweppes Zimbabwe is also setting up a 2,700-hectare citrus farm in Beitbridge, which is expected to boost local production and supply to export markets.
Horticultural Development Council chief executive Linda Nielsen said the new projects demonstrate growing investor confidence in the sector.
“The citrus industry is expanding fast, and we are seeing more companies coming in to invest,” she said. “These projects will help increase exports and create thousands of jobs.”
Under the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (2026–2030), Zimbabwe aims to double its citrus production area to 8,000 hectares and create 24,000 jobs.
The value of the citrus sector is projected to rise from US$576 million to US$925 million by 2030.
Government said the growth in citrus exports will help boost foreign currency earnings and support rural industrialisation as part of national economic recovery efforts.
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