Varun Beverages Zimbabwe plans US$350M solar project, new beer plant
The investments include a 500MW solar power facility, a clear beer manufacturing plant and a plastic recycling project, alongside plans to expand employment and production capacity.
ZIMBABWE – Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is planning major investments in manufacturing and renewable energy, including a US$350 million solar power project and a new beer plant, as the company seeks to expand production capacity and diversify its product portfolio.
The developments were announced during a tour of the company’s beverage and snacks manufacturing facilities by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe.
Speaking after the visit, Garwe said the government had allocated land for the proposed beer manufacturing facility, with groundbreaking expected either at the end of November or in December 2026.
He noted that Varun Beverages currently operates 11 production lines manufacturing beverages, bottled water and snacks, and is preparing to enter beer production.
“To date, they have got 11 product lines, various products, from beverages, to water, to snacks, and many others,” Garwe said.
The minister said the investments aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development agenda, which seeks to attract international investors and support the country’s transition to an upper-middle-income economy.
“This is what Vision 2030 speaks to. Invite global players to be part of the upper-middle-income journey. It’s not an event, it’s a journey,” he said.
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Vijay Kumar Bahl said the company, its holding company RJ Corporation and partners INOX and SkyPower were investing US$350 million in a 500-megawatt solar power project.
He added that the company was establishing a clear beer manufacturing plant, which is expected to be launched by the end of 2027 or early 2028. It is also working with Geo Pomona on a plastic recycling facility.
Bahl said the investments demonstrated the company’s confidence in Zimbabwe’s business environment and its long-term commitment to the country.
“When Zimbabwe declared that it is open for business, many listened. We acted. And today I can stand here and say, with confidence, that Varun Beverages is a classic case of an investor doing well in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The company directly employs approximately 2,000 people and supports another 13,000 indirect jobs through distributors, transporters, retailers, vendors, suppliers and service providers.
“Zimbabwe’s greatest asset is not under the ground. It is its people,” Bahl said, adding that the company initially recruited 350 young graduates.
Meanwhile, Garwe said Varun Beverages had agreed to withdraw its pushcarts from Harare’s Central Business District following concerns about congestion. Traders would instead operate in residential and industrial areas. The company has also intensified its anti-littering campaign.
Varun Beverages entered Zimbabwe in 2018 through a greenfield bottling facility in Harare and has invested more than US$100 million in the country.
In September, the company expanded its portfolio with the launch of Mooju, a dairy-blend juice available in 430ml and one-litre packs.
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