Quest Motor to Begin Assembling JAC and Foton Models in Zimbabwe Under New Procurement Drive

Zimbabwe Pushes Local Procurement as Quest Motor Prepares to Assemble 180 Vehicles

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local industries through a strict local procurement directive, as efforts intensify to reduce the national import bill.

Industry and Commerce Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu, announced the renewed enforcement measures during a manufacturing sector tour in Mutare on Thursday.

“We have seen impressive progress in terms of capacity utilisation of our industries. As a Government, we have a policy position that prioritises local procurement… all Government ministries and departments will ensure that priority is given to procuring locally produced goods next year,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that boosting local consumption is key to sustaining jobs and driving regional export growth.

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Quest Motor Prepares to Roll Out New Vehicles

During the tour, Minister Ndlovu visited Quest Motor Manufacturing, where operations are being revived through new technology and partnerships.

General manager Carl Fernandes confirmed that production is expected to begin soon.

“We hope our recent push with Chinese partners will start to bear fruit in November this year, when our first parts arrive. We are looking forward to start with the JAC T9 double cab and moving on to the Foton Tunland V9… We are aiming to produce 180 vehicles in the next couple of months,” he said.

Quest Motor, founded in the early 1960s, has long engaged Chinese automotive brands to enhance production capacity.

China Extends Manufacturing Support

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Zhou Ding, expressed continued support for industrial partnerships between the two nations.

“We want to see more China-Zimbabwe cooperation beyond mining, in manufacturing and technology businesses, creating value chain jobs in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Ambassador Zhou highlighted the potential for the sector to contribute significantly to economic recovery under the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Timber Industry Praised for Innovation and Growth

Minister Ndlovu also applauded Wattle Company and Mega Market for demonstrating sustainable industrial performance.

Mega Market has achieved 100 percent capacity utilisation, while Wattle Company is expanding its product range through value addition.

“One thing I have noted… the three players we visited in the manufacturing sector are performing well,” said Minister Ndlovu.

Wattle Company executive director, Victoria Jakazi, explained that improved manufacturing processes are helping the company maximise timber usage.

“We started with pine sawn timber, and have since moved to plywood, which has taken us to over 60 percent utilisation… We plan to use more waste to produce pulpwood, which should take us to around 80 percent,” she said.

With approximately 2 000 employees, the company remains a key contributor to local manufacturing and employment.

Economic Rebound Driven by Local Industry

The Government believes increased reliance on local manufacturing — from vehicle assembly to timber processing — will strengthen Zimbabwe’s economy, support job creation, and reduce dependency on imports.

The return to production at Quest Motor Manufacturing marks a major step forward in restoring manufacturing strength across the Mutare industrial landscape.