VP Chiwenga Applauds US$30 Million Orange Juicing Plant in Beitbridge

Vice President Chiwenga has applauded the US$30 million Orange Ville Juicing Plant in Beitbridge (image source)

BEITBRIDGE – Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has praised the newly operational Orange Ville Juicing Plant in Beitbridge as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s rural industrialisation agenda, describing it as a “strategic investment” aligned with Vision 2030.

The US$30 million citrus processing facility, which began operations in July 2025, has already crushed over 25,000 tonnes of oranges and currently employs 290 people, with plans to scale up to 3,000 jobs as production expands. The plant is one of the largest of its kind in Southern Africa. “This project is a practical demonstration of our commitment to transforming rural economies through value addition,” said Chiwenga during a tour of the facility.

The Vice President’s visit forms part of a broader government effort to assess high-impact projects in Matabeleland South. The Orange Ville plant is expected to anchor a regional citrus value chain, linking smallholder farmers to export markets and agro-processing hubs.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the visit, noting that the plant is already supplying juice concentrate to local beverage manufacturers and exploring export deals with regional buyers. “Beitbridge is no longer just a border town — it’s becoming an agro-industrial hub,” Mangwana said.

The plant’s success is attributed to public-private partnerships and targeted incentives under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA). Local farmers have welcomed the project, citing improved market access and stable pricing. “We used to sell oranges for a song. Now we have contracts and guaranteed buyers,” said farmer Tapiwa Ncube from Mtetengwe.

The facility also includes a solar-powered cold storage unit and a water recycling system, aligning with Zimbabwe’s green industrialisation goals. Officials say the plant will reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security.

Economists view the project as a model for rural development, combining infrastructure, employment, and export potential. However, they caution that replication will require consistent policy support and access to affordable financing. “This is a blueprint for inclusive growth,” said agro-economist Dr. Nyasha Kaseke. “We need more of these across provinces.”

The Orange Ville Juicing Plant is part of the Second Republic’s push to decentralize industrial activity and empower rural communities. Other projects in the pipeline include tomato processing in Mutoko and dairy hubs in Gokwe.