Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria has expanded his fast-growing African footprint after opening a $40 million manufacturing complex in Zimbabwe. The facility strengthens his push into one of the continent’s most competitive consumer markets.
The new plant sits under Varun Beverages and produces snacks, juice, and dairy products. It also includes a Cheetos production line. The company designed the facility to serve rising demand across Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa welcomed the investment. He said it will drive industrial growth, create jobs, and connect local production to global value chains. He added that the project supports Zimbabwe’s long-term manufacturing ambitions.
The company has grown quickly in the region. It expanded from a single production line producing about 10 million bottles monthly to six lines with capacity close to 120 million bottles. The expansion has already created about 2,000 direct jobs and more than 13,000 indirect roles across logistics, farming, and retail.
Jaipuria is also pushing a wider $650 million investment plan for Zimbabwe. The plan includes renewable energy, recycling, beverages, and industrial manufacturing. A 130-megawatt green energy project valued between $300 million and $350 million is already under development in Matobo.
He also confirmed plans for a recyclable PET facility. This will reduce imports and increase exports from Zimbabwe to other African markets. The company believes local production will strengthen supply chains and reduce dependency on foreign packaging.
Industry Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu said the investment will benefit farmers and rural suppliers. He noted that grain farmers, dairy producers, and fruit growers will gain new markets. He also highlighted opportunities for women and youth in distribution networks.
The expansion follows a major acquisition move. Varun Beverages recently acquired South African beverage producer Twizza for $125 million. The deal was completed through The Beverage Company (BevCo), strengthening its position in Africa’s soft drinks market.
The company has also expanded into Central Africa. In 2025, it began building a $50 million Pepsi bottling plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo to serve the wider region.
According to Forbes estimates, Jaipuria’s net worth stands at about $12.3 billion. His empire spans beverages, food manufacturing, and retail distribution.
Africa now sits at the center of his global strategy. The continent’s growing consumer market continues to attract large-scale manufacturing investments. Jaipuria’s latest move signals deeper competition in Africa’s FMCG sector as global players race for market share.
