Tendai Muererwa
​Mutare – A transformative era for Zimbabwe’s automotive sector is unfolding in Mutare, as Quest Motor Manufacturing gears up to pioneer the local assembly of electric vehicles.
During a recent high-profile visit to the QMM plant, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, witnessed firsthand the massive industrial overhaul currently underway. This ambitious shift is a cornerstone of the nation’s broader industrialization strategy, signaling a move away from traditional fuel dependence toward a more sustainable, high-tech manufacturing landscape.
​The scale of this transition is backed by significant financial investment, with QMM General Manager Carl Fernandes confirming that $1.2 million has already been injected into modernizing the facility. The capital is being utilized to upgrade existing infrastructure, and the factory is currently awaiting a shipment of specialized machinery due to arrive this August. Once the new equipment is operational, the company expects its production capabilities to leapfrog, positioning it as the first manufacturer in the country to roll out locally assembled green energy vehicles.
​The upcoming production line is set to feature a diverse range of models, catering to various market segments. By the third quarter of the year, the factory will begin assembling the BAW Mini Car, the Skyworth SUV, and the sophisticated GAC Aion V. Recognizing that infrastructure is key to the adoption of these vehicles, QMM is also planning the rollout of a comprehensive national fast-charging network. This holistic approach ensures that the shift to electric mobility is supported by the necessary utilities for Zimbabwean drivers.
​Beyond the technological milestones, the expansion is poised to be a massive catalyst for regional economic growth. Fernandes highlighted that the ramp-up in production will lead to an explosive increase in employment, with the company forecasting a workforce growth of between 300 and 500 percent. Such a surge in job opportunities is expected to revitalize the local economy in Manicaland, providing hundreds of skilled roles for the community and strengthening the province’s industrial base.
​Minister Mugadza expressed deep satisfaction with the factory’s evolution, noting that the progress made thus far is a testament to the potential of local industry. He underscored the importance of domestic support for these initiatives, stating that provincial government departments and public institutions will be urged to prioritize locally manufactured vehicles for their fleets. By choosing Zimbabwean-made products over imports, the government aims to create a self-sustaining economic cycle that fosters innovation and rewards local investment.
