History of the Land and Green Fuel's beginnings
Zimbabwe has a long history of viable sugar cane production in the Lowveld.
History of the Land
1953
In 1953, the then Ministry of Agriculture established the Chisumbanje Experiment Station for the purpose of evaluating the agricultural production potential of the soils under intensive irrigation within the Chisumbanje area.
1960
In the 1960's, crucial research continued into soils and climatic conditions of the area.
1964
In 1964, the Research Station confirmed a potential 40,000 hectares of irrigable soils.
1966
In 1966, the Chisumbanje Development Company (Pvt) Ltd was registered to promote the mandate of irrigation and development on the 40,000 hectares.
1979
In 1979, an American based consulting company, E.L Bateman Inc, was appointed to undertake a study for the development of a 15,000-hectare sugarcane estate. The study was finalised, however, the proposed project was halted by the commencement of the war.
ARDA’s Stewardship and Development
1981
In 1981-1982, following Zimbabwe’s independence the Ministry of Agriculture established the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, (ARDA), with the primary mandate to plan, coordinate, implement, promote and assist with agricultural development in Zimbabwe. ARDA was entrusted with the stewardship of significant agricultural estates across the country, including the strategically important land in Chisumbanje, which ARDA leased from the Rural District Council.
1988
In 1988, ARDA farmers were producing 10% of the country’s wheat and 25% of its cotton.
2000
In the 2000's, ARDA embarked on a proactive strategy to unlock the full potential of its estates through strategic partnerships.
Formation of the ARDA/Green Fuel Partnership
2008
In 2008, ARDA entered into Build, Operate and Transfer arrangements (BOT) with private investors Macdom Investments (Pvt) Limited and Rating Investments (Pvt) Limited on the Chisumbanje and Middle Sabi Estates, specifically designed to rehabilitate and expand the estates.
2010
Within an 18 month period, the Macdom (Chisumbanje) and Rating (Middle Sabi) Estates were transformed into successful sugarcane estates, with significant investment being made into the infrastructure of the estates, including pump houses, roads and buildings.
Ongoing
All land that the Chisumbanje Estate occupies (currently around 9,375 hectares) falls within and under the ambit of the BOT held with ARDA and within the 40,000-hectare concession that is under a valid lease agreement between ARDA and the Rural District Council.
The Green Fuel Factory is Built
2009
In 2009, Green Fuel acquired the right to lease an initial 5,112ha from ARDA for its ethanol plant. This marked a significant turning point, transitioning the land from general agricultural potential to a specialised focus on renewable energy production.
2011
In 2011, the Green Fuel Ethanol Plant is successfully completed and commissioned with the first ethanol being manufactured in the same year, transforming the Chisumbanje landscape into a vibrant agro-industrial hu, producing a vital resource of national energy independence.
2012
In 2012, a directive from the Government of Zimbabwe to convert the initial BOT into a Joint Venture, formally incorporating Green Fuel, solidified the long-term commitment to this strategic project.