The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura Business Correspondent
MINISTER for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said Government is committed to support struggling business to get back to their feet as part of initiatives to revive the national economy.
Senator Mutsvangwa made the remarks during the tour of Reapers PVt Ltd factory in Rusape.
Reapers is one of the country’s biggest agricultural concerns that deals mainly with small grains. The company reopened its doors after entering into public private partnership with the Grain Marketing Board.
Reapers, which is located along the Rusape-Nyanga road, is owned by businessman Mr Basil Nyabadza. It specialises in ground nuts and had shut down six years ago citing viability challenges.
“As Government we are committed to support all businesses that had shut down and revive them. Since President Mnangagwa came into office, a number of companies are being revived and this is so encouraging. The President is taking every opportunity to market Zimbabwe as a safe investment destination to both foreign and local investors.
“We also urge businesspersons to form partnerships and also engage in public private partnership like what is happening here at Reapers who have partnered Grain Marketing Board. Companies like Reapers are important in the economy as they deal with small grain which we are encouraging our farmers to grow.
“We will also forward their request that government considers adding small grains on the command agriculture list. In Manicaland there are districts such as Buhera, Mutare and Chipinge whose climatic conditions are only suitable for small grains,” Senator Mutsvangwa.
Mr Nyabadza said his company is ready to export ground nuts seed into the lucrative South African market.
The company has so far employed 200 workers on its Rusape factory.
