At the Annual General Meeting, our Chairman, Alistair Campbell, sent out a clear message to members: the next phase of growth will depend on active participation, not passive support.
“HDC cannot be a spectator body,” he said. It’s time for each member to step forward through committee work, attendance at sector engagements, policy feedback and recruiting new members. He cautioned that the council’s long-term sustainability will increasingly rest on the support of members. “This is your Council. Its strength depends on your engagement.”
That call to action comes as HDC sharpens its strategic direction for 2026–2030. It is anchored by an ambitious vision to grow Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry into a US$2.5 billion export industry supporting 600,000 jobs.
The council also plans to reduce certification costs through the GlobalG.A.P National Technical Working Group, expand value addition and agro-processing zones, integrate digital traceability systems, and increase indirect smallholder participation to 10,000 farmers by 2030.
The AGM also marked the winding down of the ZEST Programme in March, with the chair thanking our partners, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for its GBP1.2 million support, which strengthened institutional capacity and accelerated inclusive growth. Appreciation was also extended to partners, including the European Union, COLEAD, TradeMark Africa, PUM Netherlands, the ILO, AfDB, commercial banks, and private-sector partners. He thanked the HDC staff for the work they are putting in to grow the council and support the industry.
Closing the address, Alistair struck an optimistic note. “Zimbabwe horticulture is no longer rebuilding. It is repositioning. The next five years will determine whether we stay a US$100 million industry or become a US$2.5 billion export powerhouse.”
Following the AGM proceedings, members and partners had the opportunity to unwind and strengthen relationships during the HDC Golf Day held at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club. The tournament provided a relaxed setting for continued engagement, networking, and camaraderie among stakeholders across the horticultural industry.
HDC extends its sincere appreciation to NMB Bank for partnering with us as the Gold Sponsor, whose support contributed significantly to the success of the day, as well as to CBZ Agro-Yield for sponsoring the drinks, allowing members to enjoy a well-deserved social atmosphere following the tournament.
As the first of many planned golf days, the event marked the beginning of what HDC envisions as an annual platform for industry connection beyond the boardroom.
