Gweru, Zimbabwe – Ms. Matilda Manhambo, a retired civil servant and successful Gweru-based farmer, is leveraging regional economic diplomacy to expand her agricultural empire, establishing a thriving horticulture project in Botswana.
Manhambo Investments, operating as “Kupfuma Ishungu Farm,” has swiftly established a significant cross-border presence. This expansion follows official approval and land allocation from the Botswana government, a direct result of strengthening bilateral diplomatic relations and focused engagements facilitated by agencies like ZimTrade.
A Regional Breakthrough
Ms. Manhambo’s journey into the Botswana market began after she met former President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi at the 2023 Global Expo Botswana. Consistent follow-up and market intelligence surveys paved the way for the establishment of her foreign subsidiary, “Manhambo Ya Temo,” in January of this year.
“We were given the land in the Malala area to start producing by the Botswana government in January this year. We quickly moved in and by April this year we started planting,” said Ms. Manhambo in Gaborone. The project was officially launched in July, with senior government and diplomatic officials in attendance.
The subsidiary is producing a diverse range of horticulture products, including potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, and watermelons.
Securing Markets and Future Growth
The investment has already yielded positive returns. Ms. Manhambo confirmed that they are actively supplying the Botswana market and working with registered retail traders. Notably, the business enjoys substantial state procurement, with 30 percent of their produce already being purchased by Botswana government agencies, alongside various tax incentives offered in recognition of their investment.
“On launch day, we had 100 top-quality cabbages along with other produce,” she noted.
The project began with an allocation of 30 hectares, with a promise to expand up to 100 hectares, signaling strong official support. The entrepreneur also hinted at plans for value-addition initiatives and the establishment of a farming training school to transfer skills to local Botswanan communities.
Ms. Manhambo’s success story is a prime example of Zimbabwe’s “Second Republic’s economic diplomacy agenda” in action, showcasing how determined, productive farming can generate wealth and strengthen regional trade links between Harare and Gaborone.
