Zimbabwe: New Delta Corporation brewery project in Bulawayo to create hundreds of jobs and boost local economy

Delta Corporation’s planned US$35 million investment into a brewhouse in Bulawayo is a strong vote of confidence in the city’s industrial potential and sustainable development agenda, board chairperson Mr Todd Moyo was quoted as saying by The Herald on October 17.

The country’s largest beverages group has two beer production plants in Bulawayo — the Belmont lager brewery and the Chibuku Super plant in Fairbridge.

Mr Moyo said the new plant project was expected to create hundreds of jobs and boost local economic activity while contributing significant revenue to the national fiscus.

The development marks a major milestone in Bulawayo’s ongoing industrial revival at a time when several major firms are expanding operations and refurbishing plants in the Belmont industrial area, a clear reflection of renewed investor confidence in the city’s economic prospects.

A few years ago, Bulawayo’s industrial base had sharply declined, with many companies either closing shop or relocating to Harare, leaving thousands jobless and the city’s manufacturing backbone severely weakened.

However, under the Second Republic, deliberate policy interventions aimed at improving the ease of doing business have helped rekindle industrial activity across the country, including Bulawayo.

More companies are now increasing capacity utilisation, reinvesting in infrastructure and creating new employment opportunities.

A strong and competitive industrial base is a key pillar under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which seeks to lay the groundwork for Zimbabwe’s transformation into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new brewhouse at the Belmont plant site yesterday, Mr Moyo said the upgrade reflected the company’s determination to re-invest, re-industrialise, and re-energise Bulawayo.

“While many industries have moved north to Harare over the years, Delta remains deeply rooted in Bulawayo,” said Mr Moyo.

“By investing here again, we reaffirm our faith in this great city, its people, its talent, its industrious spirit, and its future as Zimbabwe’s industrial heartbeat.”

The Brewhouse is expected to improve the supply of all Delta’s lager beer brands and pack sizes to the market, while guaranteeing high quality of the beverages, said Mr Moyo.

He said the brewery packaging project, costing about US$17 million, formed part of a broader US$35 million investment plan to include a second packaging line, fermentation vessels, and ancillary equipment.

“We are playing our part in advancing inclusive growth, industrial renewal and sustainable development, rebuilding confidence in Bulawayo’s future as a thriving industrial city once again,” he said.

“The overall capacity of the brewery will increase to around 1,5 million hectolitres per annum.”

He emphasised that the project is not only about beer production but also about creating “jobs, skills and growth”.

“It will create employment during construction and provide opportunities for local contractors, engineers, artisans and suppliers, especially from Bulawayo and surrounding communities,” said Mr Moyo.

He added that Delta remains a key contributor to national revenue through taxes.

“On average, Delta pays between US$18 million and US$20 million monthly in taxes such as excise duty, sugar tax, VAT and PAYE in addition to company taxes and import duty,” he noted.

Mr Moyo further said Delta Corporation had embarked on a robust capital investment drive to mordenise and expand its operations across the country, entrenching market leadership and driving growth.

He said the investments included the returnable glass packing line and additional fermentation tanks installed at Southern Brewery in Harare, the Chibuku Super plant in Harare and the new PET packaging line in Graniteside, also in Harare.

Speaking at the same event, Bulawayo deputy mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu said the city was honoured that Delta Corporation had chosen Bulawayo for industrial expansion and innovation.

“This is not just groundbreaking; it is a homecoming for a company that was born here and has grown to become a national symbol of excellence,” said Cllr Ndlovu.

He praised Delta’s long-standing partnership with the city, highlighting its contribution to employment creation, community development, and the local revenue base.

“We commend Delta for its continued support of community programmes, water conservation initiatives, and its commitment to local sourcing that benefits our small and medium enterprises,” he said.

Cllr Ndlovu said the investment aligns with the city’s efforts to reclaim its position as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub.

“This US$35 million investment comes at a time when Bulawayo is reasserting itself as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub. We are witnessing a new wave of confidence from both local and international investors,” he said.

He added that the local authority remains committed to infrastructure renewal and business facilitation.

“As council, we will continue to prioritise infrastructure renewal, from water augmentation projects to road rehabilitation and electricity coordination, to ensure that Bulawayo remains open and ready for business,” said Cllr Ndlovu.

“We are particularly pleased that this project will create local employment and procurement opportunities for Bulawayo-based contractors, artisans, and suppliers. Every dollar spent here has a ripple effect that strengthens our local economy.”

Cllr Ndlovu urged Delta to continue partnering with local tertiary institutions in developing brewing, engineering, and sustainability skills for young people, adding that the company’s renewed commitment to the city symbolises hope for a new era of industrial resurgence.