Zimbabwe awarded a multi-million dollar food contract to Agrifora Private Limited without holding public bids. The deal covers meals for the army, police and prison services across the country. Government critics attack the decision as lacking transparency and proper oversight. Security officials defend the arrangement and say it has dramatically improved conditions. The company delivers food directly to military bases and correctional facilities.
Food shortages plagued Zimbabwe's security forces for many years before this contract began. Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri admitted the military could not host foreign forces because of poor conditions. The government struggled with supply problems that hurt morale and readiness. President Emmerson Mnangagwa decided to centralize all food purchasing through one major supplier. Officials wanted to fix the embarrassing situation quickly.
Agrifora has cut food costs and expanded menu options for thousands of service members. Beef prices dropped from 11 dollars per kilogram to 3.50 dollars under the new system. Chicken costs 3.40 dollars per kilogram through the company's supply network. Security personnel eat sausages, liver and eggs instead of just basic vegetables. The direct delivery method prevents theft and corruption that once affected food distribution.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi praised improved prison conditions but referred questions to corrections leadership. Senior officials say the arrangement works better than previous procurement methods despite bypassing normal bidding rules. The company operates transparently and delivers full orders on schedule according to government sources. Some officials remain unhappy with the non-competitive selection process. Prison Commissioner Moses Chihobvu can confirm prisoner satisfaction with current food quality.
Food shortages plagued Zimbabwe's security forces for many years before this contract began. Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri admitted the military could not host foreign forces because of poor conditions. The government struggled with supply problems that hurt morale and readiness. President Emmerson Mnangagwa decided to centralize all food purchasing through one major supplier. Officials wanted to fix the embarrassing situation quickly.
Agrifora has cut food costs and expanded menu options for thousands of service members. Beef prices dropped from 11 dollars per kilogram to 3.50 dollars under the new system. Chicken costs 3.40 dollars per kilogram through the company's supply network. Security personnel eat sausages, liver and eggs instead of just basic vegetables. The direct delivery method prevents theft and corruption that once affected food distribution.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi praised improved prison conditions but referred questions to corrections leadership. Senior officials say the arrangement works better than previous procurement methods despite bypassing normal bidding rules. The company operates transparently and delivers full orders on schedule according to government sources. Some officials remain unhappy with the non-competitive selection process. Prison Commissioner Moses Chihobvu can confirm prisoner satisfaction with current food quality.
