A senior Zimbabwean official has commended the Chinese-invested Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) for its significant contribution to revitalising the nation’s steel industry.
Christopher Mutsvangwa, a Politburo member and Secretary for Information and Publicity for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF), noted that DISCO’s growing steel production is driving the regeneration of Zimbabwe’s downstream steel fabrication sector.
DISCO, a subsidiary of China’s Tsingshan Holding Group, began operations last year with pig iron production, followed by steel billets, and is now producing steel bars. The company plans to expand its product line to include bolts, nuts, and other steel items. This development is expected to support the revival of the heavy steel industry in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, which was significantly affected by the collapse of the domestic steel sector in 2008.
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In response to the surge in domestic steel production, the Zimbabwean government has recently introduced new restrictions on the importation of certain steel products. The move is aimed at protecting and promoting the local steel industry, reducing reliance on imports, and stimulating economic growth.
The Manhize Steel Plant, part of DISCO’s operations, has officially commenced the production of reinforced steel bars (rebars), marking a key milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrial development. This new production phase is expected to play a vital role in supporting national infrastructure projects, reducing import dependency, and strengthening the construction sector.
The success of DISCO’s operations is viewed as a pivotal step towards economic self-sufficiency, job creation, and industrialisation, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives. The government’s collaboration with Chinese investors such as Tsingshan Holding Group underscores its commitment to revitalising key sectors and fostering sustainable economic growth.
