Prevail Group International says the imminent delivery of 2 000 fully equipped Village Business Units (VBUs) will accelerate Zimbabwe’s drive towards a billion-dollar rural industrialisation economy by 2030, fully aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of an inclusive and viable upper-middle-income economy for both rural and urban citizens.
The rollout, which includes solar-powered boreholes, drip-irrigation systems, pressure tanks and modern water infrastructure for each VBU, is supported by recent data from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA).
The AMA’s 2025 report confirms that several VBUs have already been established nationwide. In the initial phase, 75 units generated more than US$200 000 in total sales, a clear indication of the model’s potential to scale into a major economic pillar.
Prevail Group International chairman, Dr Paul Tungwarara, said the expansion to 2 000 units is a deliberate move to accelerate this momentum.
“President Mnangagwa has made it clear that no community should be left behind. These 2 000 VBUs are a direct expression of his commitment to uplifting rural livelihoods and ensuring that every household participates meaningfully in the national economy,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara added that the infrastructure investment will significantly boost agricultural productivity and ensure reliable food supplies.
“By providing water, solar energy and irrigation infrastructure, we are equipping farmers with the tools to produce consistently throughout the year. This is how we strengthen agriculture, secure food supplies and create lasting economic dignity for our people,” he said.
He stressed that the VBU model is also accelerating growth in the horticulture sector, which continues to demonstrate strong export potential.
“Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry is on the rise, and VBUs are at the centre of that growth. With irrigation and solar systems in place, rural farmers will be able to scale up production of vegetables, fruits and other high-value crops that feed the nation and supply regional markets,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara said the President’s long-term vision remains the driving force behind the programme.
“The President’s desire is to build a viable, inclusive economy that empowers both rural and urban citizens. VBUs are the vehicle that will transform villages into productive hubs and drive Zimbabwe into a new era of shared prosperity,” he said.
With installations set to begin shortly, the 2 000-unit initiative is poised to become one of Zimbabwe’s largest community-empowerment programmes, consolidating rural industrialisation and fast-tracking progress towards Vision 2030.
