Zimbabwe focuses on aluminium production to enhance industrial metal supply

In a strategic move to meet burgeoning industrial demand, the Southern African nation, the Zimbabwean government, has unveiled plans to amplify lightweight metal production through aluminium beneficiation. Recognising aluminium's pivotal role across diverse sectors—from automobiles to packaging and household equipment to aerospace technology and electrical and electronics—the government aims to position Zimbabwe in the global market. This initiative promises to invigorate the national economy and advance the nation's industrial capabilities, particularly as aluminium continues to supplant copper in electrical applications.

During his visit to Tajikistan, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice President of Zimbabwe, announced a new initiative following his tour of the Tajik Aluminium Company (TALCO). TALCO, a significant entity in Tajikistan's industry, boasts an annual production capacity exceeding 500,000 tonnes. Dr Chiwenga conveyed his interest in setting up similar processing plants in Zimbabwe and emphasized the promising opportunities for economic collaboration between Zimbabwe and Tajikistan.

At home, Zimbabwe boasts CAFCA, a company specialising in producing aluminium electrical cables. Dr Chiwenga emphasised the need to scale up aluminium production in Zimbabwe to match TALCO's capabilities. He invited TALCO to partner with local companies to share expertise and further develop the industry.