In a landmark achievement for the nation’s agricultural sector, Zimbabwe’s commercial raw milk production surged to a 23-year high in 2025, reaching 122 million litres. When factoring in non-commercial output consumed at the household level, the total yield for the year stands at an impressive 129 million litres.
This milestone highlights a massive 85% increase from the 66 million litres recorded in 2017, signaling a robust recovery driven by the Second Republic’s strategic policies and private sector synergy.
Record-Breaking Growth and Monthly Peaks
According to fresh data from the Dairy Services Unit (DSU), the 2025 figures surpass the previous long-term benchmark of 111 million litres set back in 2003.
Mr. Edward Warambwa, National Chairman of the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF), revealed that December 2025 was particularly historic, with monthly output peaking at 11.4 million litres.
“Annual commercial production hit 121.8 million litres, but when you add the seven million litres produced and consumed at home, we are looking at a total national output of 128.8 million litres,” Warambwa noted.
Sustainability and the “Price Gap” Challenge
Despite the record volumes, the sector faces a delicate balancing act. The ZADF reported that while the dairy herd has grown to approximately 67,000 cattle (with over 40,000 active milking cows), production costs remain a significant hurdle.
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Production Cost: Stabilized at roughly US$0.63 per litre.
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Producer Price: Averaged US$0.58 per litre.
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Retail Trend: UHT milk prices averaged US$1.35 per litre in 2025, down from a 2024 high of US$1.75.
Warambwa emphasized that for Zimbabwe to achieve full milk self-sufficiency in 2026, the industry must address the gap between production costs and producer prices, alongside improving power supply and access to affordable financing.
Key Drivers of the Dairy Boom
The resurgence of the dairy industry is attributed to several government and international initiatives:
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Presidential Silage Programme (PSP): Supported over 1,300 farmers through the AFC and CBZ, ensuring better feed security.
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Genetic Improvement: The EU-funded Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (TranZDVC) imported 500 in-calf heifers and distributed thousands of straws of sexed semen to upgrade local breeds.
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Technical Support: Agronomist Pamela Macheka noted that the 2025 success is a direct result of “improved pasture management and wider adoption of commercial feed blends.”
Market Dynamics
Formal processing channels continue to dominate the market, with intake by processors averaging over 9 million litres monthly during the second half of 2025. However, direct retail by producers remains a steady contributor, highlighting the vital role of peri-urban and small-scale farmers in the local supply chain.
As the sector employs over 42,000 people, these gains position dairy as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth and nutritional security.
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