General Beltings Holdings expects the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to increase regional competition, creating additional pressure for domestic firms.
The AfCFTA, which began trading on January 1, 2021, established a single continental market of roughly 1.2 billion people, creating what is considered the world’s eighth-largest economic bloc, with a combined gross domestic product estimated at US$3 trillion.
That figure is expected to expand significantly over the coming decades.
In a statement accompanying the conveyor belting and industrial rubber manufacturer’s financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, General Beltings chairman Tichaona Mabeza acknowledged that as AfCFTA gains traction, local firms will face intensifying competition from businesses across the continent.
He said the group will focus on deepening strategic partnerships and retaining critical skills to strengthen its competitive position.
“…strategic partnerships and critical skills retention programmes will be enhanced to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive environment, as the AfCFTA has become a reality,” Mabeza said.
He said the company would continue prioritising customer service and operational responsiveness.
“Focus on the delivery of a commensurate value proposition to customers will remain anchored on offering timely solutions to the diverse customer base while at the same time meeting stakeholder expectations,” he said.
Mabeza said Zimbabwe’s economic outlook presented notable opportunities, particularly in sectors aligned with government development priorities.
“The projected economic growth of six percent presents business opportunities anchored on the continued mining sector buoyancy and incentivised targeted sectors expected to drive the National Development Strategy 2,” the board chair said.
He said planned investment in power and energy infrastructure would likely stimulate demand for the group’s conveyor belt products, while higher visitor arrivals were expected to support growth in its chemicals business.
“In particular, the deliberate strategy to invest in the energy and power infrastructure is expected to drive the demand for conveyor belts while increased arrivals will favour the Chemicals Division volume growths.”
Mabeza added that continued momentum in agriculture would also strengthen demand, especially within the dairy industry through Cernol Chemicals.
“Agriculture growth momentum is expected to continue in the year and demand from the dairy sector is expected to grow through market consolidation at Cernol Chemicals,” he said.
Financially, General Beltings delivered a mixed performance during the review period, showing stronger revenue growth despite a sharp decline in profitability.
Group turnover rose 43 percent to US$4.28 million in 2025, up from a restated US$2.99 million in the previous year.
Sales volumes, however, fell 19 percent to 779 metric tonnes from 953 metric tonnes in 2024, suggesting improved pricing, a stronger product mix, or higher-value contracts helped offset lower output.
Gross profit increased 26 percent to US$1.76 million from US$1.39 million, supported largely by improved margins in mining-related rubber products.
Operating profit dropped steeply to US$83,560 from US$1.04 million in the prior year, while profit after tax declined to US$38,950 from US$1.03 million.