The Role of ARDA

A Strategic Partnership for National Growth

The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is a leading Zimbabwean parastatal dedicated to securing national food security and driving agriculture-led economic growth across the nation. Managing 21 diverse estates that encompass 124,254 hectares of commercial, livestock, and rural development operations, ARDA structures its estates to run as independent Strategic Business Units (SBUs). This unique commercial arrangement allows individual estates to actively unlock asset value and access development loans on the strength of their respective balance sheets.

The PPP Model

Private, Public, Partnerships

Since 2009, ARDA has adopted a strategy of Public-Private Partnerships to unlock the value of national assets and maximize agricultural output.

  • Long-Term Usage: Kalimba Investments PVT Ltd has signed a long-term arrangement with ARDA to develop and maximize the full potential of the 4,556-hectare estate.
  • SBU Structure: The estate operates as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU), allowing it to access loans and funding based on its own balance sheet strength.
  • Alignment with Policy: This partnership aligns with the government’s ZIMASSET policy and investor-driven initiatives to deliver sustainable returns for all stakeholders.

By combining ARDA’s vast resources with Kalimba’s private capital and technical expertise, Balu is a flagship example of how modern partnerships can stimulate the Zimbabwean agricultural sector.

Pecan Production

Discover how Zimbabwe is becoming a global player in the pecan market. Explore Balu’s high-density orchards, premium cultivars like Wichita and Choctaw, and our 2030 vision for a modern packing factory.

Pecan Production