Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is set for a major shift as entrepreneur David Munowenyu unveils a bold US$1 billion programme designed to uplift smallholder farmers and expand commercial farming opportunities across the country.
The initiative introduces global empowerment organisation U CAN Company into Zimbabwe’s farming ecosystem. Through this partnership, stakeholders aim to roll out a National Livelihood Graduation Programme that will move farmers beyond subsistence and into profitable agribusiness.
Initially, the programme will support between 3,000 and 5,000 farmers across two to three provinces. In particular, it will prioritise high-demand crops such as chillies, paprika, and legumes, which offer strong export potential. At the same time, collaboration with P.T. Sewera strengthens coordination with youth-focused agricultural networks.
Meanwhile, UCANN co-founder Steve Carver has already arrived in Harare to kick-start implementation. His presence signals a fast-tracked rollout, as field operations begin and farmer onboarding accelerates.
The first phase will deploy blended financing ranging from US$5 million to US$15 million. However, the long-term vision stretches much further. Organisers plan to attract up to US$1 billion from institutional investors, unlocking nationwide expansion and scaling impact across Zimbabwe’s rural economy.
Crucially, the programme runs on UCANN’s Smallholder Inclusive Business Building (SIBB) model. This framework combines access to markets, input financing, and structured credit-building support over a three-year cycle. As a result, farmers can build sustainable businesses rather than rely on seasonal income alone.
Munowenyu emphasised that the initiative tackles long-standing financial exclusion. He explained that smallholder farmers already produce value but struggle to access formal credit systems. Therefore, the programme connects them directly to buyers, finances their production, and creates verifiable financial records that unlock future funding.
Agricultural expert Peter Moyo welcomed the move, noting its alignment with National Development Strategy 2. According to him, Zimbabwe needs scalable solutions that integrate farmers into formal value chains while boosting productivity.
Looking ahead, the pilot phase will generate critical performance data. This data will guide expansion efforts targeting more than 100,000 livelihoods across multiple districts. Ultimately, the programme positions Zimbabwe as a growing hub for agricultural investment in Africa, while opening new income pathways for rural communities.
