Marondera – Proton Bakery, the country’s third-largest bread and confectionery company, has announced plans to ramp up production to between 260,000 and 270,000 loaves per day by year end, a move expected to create additional employment opportunities.

The development comes as Zimbabwe’s economy accelerates towards President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income society.

The Marondera-based bakery, owned by the Tselentis Family and operating since 1961, currently produces an average of 170,000 loaves daily at about 85 percent capacity utilisation, employing approximately 1,650 people.

Speaking to journalists during a tour organised by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Proton Managing Director, Spiros Tselentis, said the expansion drive is driven by a positive economic outlook and rising demand.

“We have seen potential. Generally we have seen a growth in our economy so we are expanding our production capacity,” said Tselentis.

“Closer to the end of the year, we are looking at producing 260, 000 to 270,000 loaves a day.”

The expansion project is expected to generate new jobs, particularly in production and sales, as the company increases its throughput to meet growing regional demand.

The expansion comes as Zimbabwe’s economy is projected to grow by around five percent in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, above the Sub-Saharan Africa regional average.

The Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), covering 2026 to 2030, aims to sustain macroeconomic stability and accelerate value addition across key sectors.

Proton Bakery has invested approximately US$20 million over the past five years in plant upgrades, vehicle fleet expansion, and a 1MW solar plant, aligning with the Government’s push for renewable energy under Vision 2030.

The company currently holds a 20 percent market share, operating distribution depots in Harare and Bulawayo and supplying bread to Harare, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Bulawayo, and parts of Manicaland.

“All of our flour is sourced locally,” Tselentis said. “We have suppliers from Edurite Investments in Marondera, Mega Milling from Mutare, Victoria Foods from Harare, and CFI from Finland. Currently we have adequate stocks.”

The company said it has no plans to integrate milling operations, citing sufficient supply from existing partners.

“We are sitting at 20 percent market share. It may be because we do not have a national footprint,” the managing director added. “We are looking at expanding our production capacity.”

Beyond commercial operations, Proton continues to invest in corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at improving community welfare.

The company supports hospitals, schools, and youth sports development programmes while also providing assistance to individuals facing medical challenges, disabilities, and other social needs.

“We see tremendous value in giving back to the communities in which we operate. Supporting hospitals, schools, sports development and people in need is something we continuously do as part of our corporate responsibility,” said Tselentis.

The manufacturing sector, in which Proton operates, is projected to grow by 3.7 percent in 2026, supported by investment and capacity improvements.

President Mnangagwa has described the journey towards Vision 2030 as “irreversible,” pointing to sustained growth across key sectors of the economy.