Zimbabwe seeks transaction advisor for Cold Storage Company revival

The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, is seeking consulting firms to provide Transaction Advisory Services for Cold Storage Company Limited. The consultancy is intended to diagnose, design, and support a bankable turnaround plan for the company, a key player in Zimbabwe's livestock value chain.

The advisory work will be funded under the African Development Fund as part of the Institutional Support for State Enterprises Reform Project (ISSER), which focuses on reforming State-owned enterprises and improving their long-term performance. The government stated that the assignment will address the development of a sustainable turnaround strategy, explore opportunities to expand export markets, and optimise CSC's assets, while implementing a supply strategy that balances owned cattle with contract farming. The consultancy is expected to be executed in two phases over a six-month period.

The revival of CSC is anticipated to strengthen the country's beef industry, provide reliable markets for cattle farmers, and support Zimbabwe's broader agricultural transformation agenda. The company, once a major contributor to domestic and export markets, officially exited corporate rescue in October 2025 after successfully implementing turnaround measures, returning operational control to its management and board.

CSC had struggled with insolvency due to mounting debts, management challenges, and allegations of corruption, which limited investment and working capital. By engaging specialised transaction advisors, the government aims to rebuild the company on sustainable and bankable foundations, boosting beef exports and securing livelihoods across the livestock sector.