In a recent announcement via X (formerly Twitter), Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba revealed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to the burgeoning iron and steel company, DISCO, situated at Manhize. This visit marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrial development trajectory, as DISCO gears up to unleash its first product in June this year.
The DISCO project, a testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to industrialization and rural development, has already employed 1500 Zimbabweans, with projections indicating that at its peak, it will provide employment opportunities for up to 10,000 individuals. With a focus on ramping up production, the first phase of the project aims to yield 600,000 tonnes of iron and steel, surpassing the nation’s domestic needs by 100,000 tonnes.
As the project unfolds, three additional expansion programs are on the horizon, poised to elevate production to unprecedented levels: 1.5 million tonnes, 3 million tonnes, and ultimately, culminating at an impressive 5 million tonnes. This ambitious output positions Zimbabwe as the largest steelworks on the African continent, signifying a monumental leap forward in the country’s industrial capabilities.
Moreover, the DISCO project is not confined to Manhize alone; it encompasses a vision of integrated infrastructure development, including the construction of a rail link from Manhize to Mvuma, extending further to Mutare en route to Beira. This strategic initiative will facilitate the seamless export of iron and steel products, bolstering Zimbabwe’s presence in regional and international markets.
Manhize, set to evolve into a thriving steel town, will witness the emergence of ancillary steel industries, further amplifying the socio-economic benefits derived from the DISCO project. The cascading effects of this endeavor are poised to reverberate across communities, fostering growth and prosperity in its wake.
President Mnangagwa, in his remarks, underscored the pivotal role of iron and steel in driving industrialization, emphasizing the significance of the sector in nation-building. With Zimbabwe boasting abundant deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone, the country possesses the foundational elements necessary to propel its industrial aspirations forward.
In his poignant address, the President invoked the spirit of dignity in labor, urging Zimbabweans to recognize the inherent value of their contributions to national development. “Nyika inovakwa nevane mahovhorosi,” he declared, urging citizens to embrace the ethos of hard work and dedication as catalysts for progress.
The DISCO project stands as a beacon of hope and progress, symbolizing Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to charting a course towards economic prosperity and self-sufficiency. As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, the echoes of its industrial ambitions resonate far and wide, heralding a new era of growth and opportunity for all Zimbabweans.