Zimbabwe expands steel production

Zimbabwe is accelerating efforts to strengthen its industrial base and reduce reliance on imported inputs following the expansion of the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) product range to include hot wire rods and steel mining mill balls, key materials for the manufacturing and mining sectors.

The development marks a significant milestone in the country's broader industrialisation agenda, as domestic steel production increasingly underpins infrastructure development, manufacturing growth and economic expansion.

DISCO's expanded portfolio builds on its existing production of pig iron, steel billets and deformed bars, consolidating its position as a major supplier to downstream industries. Once fully operational, the steel plant is expected to rank among the largest steel producers in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Hot wire rods are used to produce other small wires such as mesh wire and nails, while steel mining mill balls are used for grinding in the mining industry. These add on to pig iron, steel billets and deformed bars," said DISCO Project Manager Mr Wilfred Motsi.

Government has welcomed the downstream impact of the steel producer, particularly its role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have historically depended on imported steel products.

Minister of Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said local production was already delivering tangible benefits.

"We are very happy with the level of production at this plant. The level we have reached in cutting imports is quite substantial. What this means is that our small to medium entrepreneurs are some of the biggest benefactors. They used to get some of these deformed bars from abroad and now they are getting them locally at a lower price," she said.

"These bars are critical for our growth as a country," added Senator Mutsvangwa.

The expansion has also been welcomed by China, a key economic partner in Zimbabwe's industrialisation drive. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Zhou Ding, who toured the plant on Thursday, said the success of DISCO highlights the growing dividends of bilateral cooperation between Harare and Beijing.

"This is my first time visiting this plant. It is interesting that our bilateral relations, which are mainly mutual, are producing the required results that are benefiting both countries," Ambassador Zhou said.

He noted that agreements signed during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's visit to China last year were beginning to translate into concrete investment outcomes.

"What this means is that you are likely to see more Chinese businesses coming to Zimbabwe to invest in the country," he said.

Established from scratch, the DISCO plant has rapidly emerged as a key player in Zimbabwe's steel production landscape, placing the country on the global map in the sector.

Authorities estimate that Zimbabwe is now saving about US$500 million annually on its import bill since the company became operational, easing pressure on foreign currency and supporting domestic value chains.

The mass production of steel products at DISCO is expected to play a pivotal role in the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises industrialisation, value addition and economic resilience.

With expanding capacity and a growing product range, the steel producer is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's push to build a self-sustaining, competitive industrial economy.