Zimbabwe: Varun Beverages to invest in new beer plant, solar power project in Zimbabwe

Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is set to expand its manufacturing operations through major investments, including a US$350 million solar power project and a new beer plant, as the company seeks to diversify its product range and increase production capacity, the Herald Online reported on November 6.

The developments were revealed during Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe’s tour of the company’s beverage and snacks manufacturing plants on November 5.

Speaking after the tour, Minister Garwe said the government had allocated land to the company for the proposed beer plant, with groundbreaking expected either at the end of this month or in December. He noted that the company currently operates 11 production lines manufacturing beverages, bottled water, and snacks, and is now preparing to venture into beer production.

“To date, they have got 11 product lines, various products, from beverages, to water, to snacks, and many others,” he said.

Minister Garwe stated that the planned investments are in line with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.

“This is what Vision 2030 speaks to. Invite global players to be part of the upper-middle-income journey. It’s not an event, it’s a journey,” he said.

Varun Beverages Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vijay Kumar Bahl, said the company, alongside its holding company RJ Corporation and partners INOX and SkyPower, is investing US$350 million in a 500-megawatt solar power project. He added that the company is setting up a clear beer plant, which it plans to launch by the end of 2027 or early 2028, while also working with Geo Pomona on a plastic recycling plant.

Mr Bahl said the investments reflect the company’s commitment to Zimbabwe, describing the environment as favourable for business.

“When Zimbabwe declared that it is open for business, many listened. We acted. And today I can stand here and say, with confidence, that Varun Beverages is a classic case of an investor doing well in Zimbabwe,” he said.

The company directly employs approximately 2,000 people and supports a further 13,000 through indirect jobs, including distributors, transporters, retailers, vendors, suppliers, and service providers.

“Zimbabwe’s greatest asset is not under the ground. It is its people,” said Mr Bahl, adding that the company had initially recruited 350 young graduates.

Meanwhile, Minister Garwe said the company has agreed to withdraw its pushcarts from Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) following concerns over congestion, allowing traders to operate in residential and industrial areas instead. He noted that the company has also stepped up its anti-littering campaign to improve urban cleanliness.

On the provision of trading facilities, Minister Garwe said the government is working with local authorities to establish vendors’ markets in every ward and rehabilitate existing ones. He stated the initiative is expected to be finalised by the end of November, allowing Harare to begin establishing additional markets.

The minister added that authorities are working to remove space barons who have taken over trading areas.

“In the same manner that we are kicking out land barons, we are also kicking out space barons, and leaving the space for vendors, who are also part of the business community,” he said.

Mr Bahl thanked the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and local authorities for maintaining infrastructure and supporting operations.

“Industry can only thrive where local government works, and in return we commit to being a responsible corporate citizen in every community where we operate,” he said.

06 November, 2026