Mnangagwa launches AI-powered smart silos in Mutare

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Silo Complex in Mutare and launched the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (2026–2030), marking a major step in Zimbabwe's drive towards enhanced food security and agricultural modernization.

The Mutare Silo Complex has a total storage capacity of 56,000 tonnes, making it one of 14 new AI-integrated grain facilities under construction nationwide. The new silos are fitted with digital monitoring systems, automated grain handling technology, and advanced quality control laboratories designed to minimise post-harvest losses and ensure food safety.

"The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution towards reshaping industries and society cannot be overemphasised," said President Mnangagwa. "It is pleasing that our institutions are harnessing emerging technologies for the benefit of current and future generations."

He said the Mutare complex, along with other ongoing projects in Masvingo, Rutenga, Marondera, Mhangura, Rafingora, Guruve, Mvurwi, Bindura, Gokwe, Lupane, Plumtree and Headlands, would expand the country's total grain storage capacity by 750,000 tonnes.

Under the Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda, Mnangagwa said the Government aims to ensure equitable access to development infrastructure and services across provinces.

The President also launched the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2, a blueprint aligned with the National Development Strategy (NDS1 and NDS2) and Vision 2030. The plan prioritises climate-smart agriculture, sustainable production, rural industrialisation, and improved livelihoods.

He noted that the first phase of the strategy had "delivered beyond expectations," and the new phase would build on those gains by promoting innovation, investment, and modernised value chains.

Mnangagwa added that the World Food Programme (WFP) had expressed readiness to collaborate with Zimbabwe in transforming the country into a regional hub for food storage and logistics.

"Our Government stands ready to capacitate the GMB to efficiently manage complex storage and supply chains, including real-time grain distribution," he said, adding that increased storage capacity was critical to climate-proofing national food and nutrition security.

"Chirimai muzadze matura - the storage space for your crops is now available," Mnangagwa said, reaffirming the administration's commitment to agricultural modernisation despite challenges posed by sanctions and climate change.