Zimbabwe Set to Reopen Iranian Tractor Assembly Plant in 2026
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, Zimbabwe is in the final stages of reopening an Iranian tractor assembly plant. Frederick Shava, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, met with Amir Hossein Hosseini, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to discuss the project.
Minister Shava stated that all required actions have been completed, with only minor administrative processes remaining. He anticipates these processes will conclude by next month, allowing the plant to reopen in Zimbabwe next year.
Ambassador Hosseini highlighted the existing educational cooperation agreement between the two countries. He noted successful collaborations in education throughout 2025 and anticipates further strengthening these ties in 2026. Several Zimbabwean students received scholarships from Iranian universities in 2025, and efforts are underway to increase this number. The ambassador also mentioned plans to enhance academic collaboration through sister-city agreements between universities in both countries.
Shava affirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering these relationships. He welcomed Iran’s proposal to establish an Iranian Innovation and Technology House in Harare and to enhance cooperation through reciprocal visits from relevant institutions. He also expressed interest in hosting exhibitions to showcase Iran’s technological capabilities.
The Zimbabwean Minister of Science requested Iran’s increased involvement in providing technical and vocational training programs for Zimbabwean trainees.
Ambassador Hosseini responded that Iran is prepared to offer online training courses in all technical and vocational fields for Zimbabwean trainers and trainees. He added that increasing the number of Zimbabwean citizens sent to Iran for technical and vocational training is also under consideration.
He emphasized Iran’s commitment to transferring modern technologies and knowledge to Zimbabwe.
Minister Shava recalled his visit to Iran as a representative of an independence movement against the Rhodesian government around the time of the Islamic Revolution, where he received a warm welcome from the revolutionary government.
