Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is planning a $350 million solar power project and a new beer manufacturing facility as it expands production capacity and diversifies its product portfolio in the country.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, announced the investments during a tour of the company’s beverage and snacks manufacturing facilities, saying the government had allocated land for the proposed beer plant.

Garwe said groundbreaking for the facility was expected at the end of November or in December 2026. He noted that Varun Beverages currently operates 11 production lines producing beverages, bottled water and snacks, and is preparing to enter the beer market.

“To date, they have got 11 product lines, various products, from beverages, to water, to snacks, and many others,” Garwe said.

Varun Beverages advances $350 million solar investment

Varun Beverages Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Vijay Kumar Bahl said the company, its holding company RJ Corporation and partners INOX and SkyPower were investing $350 million in a 500-megawatt solar power project.

The company is also establishing a clear beer manufacturing plant, which Bahl said was expected to be launched by the end of 2027 or early 2028. In addition, it is working with Geo Pomona on a plastic recycling facility.

Bahl described the investments as evidence of the company’s confidence in Zimbabwe’s business environment and its long-term commitment to the country.

“When Zimbabwe declared that it is open for business, many listened. We acted. And today I can stand here and say, with confidence, that Varun Beverages is a classic case of an investor doing well in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Company supports 15,000 direct and indirect jobs

Varun Beverages directly employs approximately 2,000 people in Zimbabwe and supports another 13,000 indirect jobs through its network of distributors, transporters, retailers, vendors, suppliers and service providers.

Bahl highlighted the importance of local employment, saying the company initially recruited 350 young graduates.

“Zimbabwe’s greatest asset is not under the ground. It is its people,” he said.

Garwe said the investments supported the government’s Vision 2030 development agenda, which seeks to attract international investors and help Zimbabwe attain upper-middle-income economy status.

“This is what Vision 2030 speaks to. Invite global players to be part of the upper-middle-income journey. It’s not an event, it’s a journey,” he said.

Varun Beverages adjusts Harare distribution operations

Meanwhile, Garwe said Varun Beverages had agreed to withdraw its pushcarts from Harare’s Central Business District following concerns about congestion. Traders would instead operate in residential and industrial areas.

The company has also intensified its anti-littering campaign as part of its wider activities in the country. Varun Beverages entered Zimbabwe in 2018 through a greenfield bottling facility in Harare and has invested more than $100 million in the country.

In September 2026, the company expanded its product portfolio with the launch of Mooju, a dairy-blend juice available in 430ml and one-litre packs. The planned beer facility would further broaden its manufacturing operations beyond its existing beverage and snacks businesses.