Sable Chemical to resume production after 3-year closure

Sable Chemical Industries Limited is set to resume production in May following a capital injection from the Mutapa Investment Fund, marking a major step toward boosting local fertiliser supply and easing pressure on farmers.

The Kwekwe-based company, Zimbabwe's sole producer of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, has been dormant for nearly three years due to operational challenges, including high energy costs and financial constraints. Its revival aligns with government efforts to reduce fertiliser imports and strengthen domestic production.

Sable Chemical CEO Harrison Shumba confirmed that production is expected to restart in time for the winter wheat season.

"We're proud to note that we are working towards reopening the company following a cash injection from the Mutapa Investment Fund," he said. "Fertiliser production is expected to resume at the end of April."

He added that electricity and water supplies have been restored, while teams are currently completing mechanical maintenance and certification processes required for ammonium nitrate production.

"We anticipate finishing maintenance work around April 24–25. The first bags of fertiliser are expected in the first and second week of May, with stable operations beginning in June," Shumba said.

The resumption of operations is expected to have a significant impact on fertiliser pricing. Currently, fertiliser prices range between US$36 and US$50 per bag, but Sable Chemical projects a reduction to between US$17 and US$22 once production stabilises.

This price drop is expected to ease costs for local farmers, many of whom have been struggling with high input expenses.

At full capacity, the company aims to produce 240 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate annually, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe's estimated annual requirement of 380 000 tonnes.

Shumba noted that the company is also working toward producing its own ammonia, a key input that currently accounts for about 78% of production costs.

"At the moment, we import ammonia, which makes fertiliser expensive. Our long-term plan is to produce it locally to reduce costs," he said.

He added that importing ammonia currently takes 30 to 45 days, while local production could meet 60% to 70% of national demand within four to five days, significantly improving supply efficiency.

The company currently employs 162 workers, with plans to increase the workforce to 300 once full operations resume.

The revival of Sable Chemical is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Zimbabwe's agricultural sector and supporting national food security efforts, particularly ahead of key planting seasons.