Zimbabwe dairy farmers look to Australia for growth

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s dairy industry has turned its gaze toward Australia as farmers seek new strategies to expand herd sizes, improve productivity, and strengthen resilience against climate shocks.

A delegation of Zimbabwean dairy producers has embarked on study tours and knowledge exchanges with Australian counterparts, aiming to replicate the success of one of the world’s most efficient dairy sectors.

The initiative comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe, where the dairy sector has struggled with feed shortages, El Niño-linked droughts, and limited access to finance.

Despite these challenges, demand for milk and dairy products continues to rise, creating pressure on local producers to scale up and modernize operations.

By learning from Australia’s advanced herd genetics, pasture management, and cooperative business models, Zimbabwean farmers hope to boost yields and reduce reliance on imports.

Australian expertise in cold chain logistics, farm management technology, and climate-smart feeding systems is desirable to Zimbabwe, where infrastructure gaps have long hindered growth.

Farmers are also exploring opportunities to import or crossbreed with Australian cattle to enhance productivity and adapt to local conditions.

Sector leaders believe the collaboration could mark a turning point. Strengthening Zimbabwe’s dairy industry would not only improve nutrition security but also create rural jobs and position the country as a competitive player in regional markets.

For Australia, the partnership opens doors to exporting genetics, technology, and know-how to Africa’s emerging dairy economies.

Zimbabwe cuts dairy imports by 20%

Meanwhile, officials confirmed that Zimbabwe has significantly reduced its reliance on imported dairy products, slashing its import bill by more than 20% thanks to a steady rise in domestic milk production.

 Latest figures reveal that national milk output climbed from 80 million litres in 2023 to 90 million litres in 2025, marking a 12.5% growth in just one year.

The increase has translated into major savings for the country, with the dairy import bill dropping from over US$15 million in the first nine months of 2024 to below US$10 million for the same period this year.

The growth has been credited to the government’s ongoing agricultural sector revival programme, which has focused on boosting farm productivity and strengthening support for smallholder dairy farmers.

Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust chairperson Themba Mutsvairo said the sector was now on track to meet the national milk production target of 130 million litres per year, a milestone that would edge the country closer to self-sufficiency.

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