Zimbabwe’s Dairy Sector Hits Record 10 Million Litres in July

In a landmark achievement, Zimbabwe’s dairy industry produced a record 10 million litres of milk in July 2025, the highest monthly output in recent history. This milestone signals a sector rebounding after decades of underinvestment and operational decline.

Milk Production in Zimbabwe (image source)

At the centre of this surge is Victor Farm in Chikomba District. Once a modest operation, it has become a model of innovation and resilience.

“We’ve invested in better feed, genetics, and cold chain infrastructure,” said farm manager Tariro Mudzonga. “It’s gratifying to see our efforts reflected in national output.”

The farm’s success reflects a broader trend: larger herds, mechanisation, and improved farmer training programs spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF).

Zimbabwe’s annual milk production is now projected to surpass 120 million litres, a remarkable leap from the 80 million-litre average of recent years. The sector is slowly closing the supply gap that once forced the country to import powdered milk from South Africa.

The impact stretches across the economy. Supermarkets now report improved availability of fresh milk, and prices have begun to stabilise after years of volatility. Dairy processors are expanding into cheese, yogurt, and powdered milk.

Tapiwanashe Dewah, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at ZADF, noted:

“This trajectory is creating exciting times for the dairy industry. It’s helping formalise markets, ensuring traceability, and building investor confidence.”

Despite the progress, hurdles remain. Feed costs continue to weigh heavily on farmers, while climate change poses risks to pasture quality. Access to finance is still limited for small-scale dairy producers, many of whom struggle to scale up.

Yet the July milestone has reinvigorated confidence. With sustained investment in farm technology, veterinary support, and market linkages, Zimbabwe’s dairy sector could soon become self-sufficient — and even a regional exporter.