Zimbabwe's coal-to-fertiliser plant on the horizon

Zimbabwe is edging closer to self-sufficiency in fertiliser production, with Government confirming plans to construct a US$400 million coal-to-fertiliser plant in Gudo communal lands, Chiredzi District.

The landmark project, led by Verify Engineering in partnership with Rusununguko Nkululeko Trust and a Chinese investor, is set to transform the socio-economic outlook of rural Chiredzi while advancing the Second Republic's rural industrialisation agenda and Vision 2030 target of attaining upper middle-income status.

The plant will leverage Verify Engineering's long-standing coal mining operations in the area, which date back to 2007, alongside abundant coal deposits and access to the perennial Mkwasine River - a key water source for processing.

Coal-to-fertiliser technology converts coal into synthetic gas, which is then processed into urea, one of the most widely used nitrogen-based fertilisers. For Zimbabwe's agriculture-driven economy, where fertiliser demand often outstrips supply, the project is expected to be a game-changer.

Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said the initiative would cut the import bill and boost productivity. "We are looking forward to the coal-to-fertiliser project in rural Chiredzi as it will not only improve fertiliser supplies for our farmers but will also create employment and save foreign currency currently spent on imports," he said.

Chiredzi Rural District Council chief executive, Mr Ailess Baloyi, welcomed the development, highlighting its alignment with the district's sugar cane-driven economy. "This is a welcome investment for us. Verify Engineering has been mining coal in the Gudo area close to Mkwasine River for many years, so we are very excited that there are now plans to build a coal-to-fertiliser plant," he said. The council, he added, is prepared to consider tax holidays and exemptions to support the investment.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira described the project as a product of President Mnangagwa's business-friendly policies, saying it would help propel Masvingo toward becoming an US$8 billion economy by 2030.

Verify Engineering has a track record of delivering strategic projects, including the country's first medical oxygen plant in Mutare, which played a pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Once completed, the Chiredzi coal-to-fertiliser plant is expected to secure Zimbabwe's fertiliser supply, reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and drive value addition in agriculture - cementing the sector's role as the backbone of the economy.