Beitbridge citrus plant targets 1,500 jobs

Zimbabwe has called on agro-processors to strengthen drought resilience and boost value addition in Matabeleland South as Orangeville, a US$25 million citrus processing company, plans to create 1,500 jobs over the next five years while expanding operations.

Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Ngulube said investment in agro-processing, productivity and value addition would play a critical role in protecting communities from the effects of an anticipated El Niño-induced dry season while driving economic growth in the province.

Speaking during a tour of Orangeville's operations in Beitbridge, Ngulube said the Government remained committed to implementing national development priorities and enhancing food security.

"The role of Government is to implement national priorities and ensure Matabeleland South produces enough for domestic demand and export," he said. "With dry conditions forecast, we must build investments that also support livestock farmers and food systems."

Established in Beitbridge in 2024, Orangeville has invested US$25 million in the project, including an additional US$5 million beyond its initial investment. The company's newly commissioned citrus juice processing plant has been certified to supply Schweppes, marking a significant step in local value addition and manufacturing.

The company currently employs about 350 workers, with approximately 60 percent engaged on a seasonal basis during the citrus harvesting period. Management expects the workforce to expand to at least 1,500 employees within five years as a planned 5,000-hectare citrus plantation reaches full production, ensuring a reliable supply of fruit for processing.

To improve resilience against recurring droughts, Orangeville sources about 40 percent of its water requirements from Zhove Dam. Ngulube encouraged the company to further diversify its operations by producing fodder to support livestock farmers during dry periods.

During the tour, the minister also inspected production lines that extract orange essential oils for the cosmetics industry and convert citrus waste into livestock feed supplements and pellets, reducing waste while creating additional value from by-products.

Ngulube also called on the company to broaden its corporate social responsibility programmes to benefit surrounding communities.

Orangeville has already rehabilitated local roads, supplied citrus residue for livestock and wildlife feed, and constructed 90 employee houses and two hostels equipped with electricity and running water.

The minister said future investments should include a workers' clinic and an early childhood development centre.

"Meaningful corporate social responsibility ensures no one and no place is left behind in our development agenda," he said.

Company officials said inconsistent citrus supplies from surrounding growers, many of whom sell to higher-paying buyers, together with high transport costs, remain major operational challenges.

Despite these constraints, Orangeville said it remained committed to expanding its operations and strengthening community development initiatives.

The company added that production and export figures for the current citrus harvesting season will be released once harvesting has been completed.