Betterbrands Leads Push Toward 40-Tonne National Gold Target
Betterbrands Pvt Ltd has delivered 18.8 tonnes of gold to Fidelity Gold Refiners (FGR) so far this year, reinforcing the company’s position as Zimbabwe’s top small-scale contributor as government incentives boost formal deliveries across the country.
The improved performance follows policy measures aimed at encouraging artisanal and small-scale miners to sell directly to FGR and reduce smuggling.
Speaking at the planetGOLD Zimbabwe Annual Stakeholders Conference 2025, FGR’s senior executive Francis Maidza confirmed that small-scale producers have delivered 21.5 tonnes to date toward the 40-tonne national target.
“To date, 21.5 tonnes of gold has been delivered to us by small-scale and artisanal miners,” Maidza said. The conference ran under the theme: “Building Together for a Sustainable ASGM Sector.”
Gold deliveries in the first nine months of the year rose 37 percent to 32.98 tonnes, up from 24.2 tonnes during the same period last year, according to official statistics. The performance keeps Zimbabwe firmly on track to achieve its annual output goal.
Documents seen by this publication show that Betterbrands — owned by legislator Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya — accounted for most of the ASM deliveries. The company’s 18.8-tonne output so far this year is estimated to have generated more than US$1.9 billion for the economy.
Over the past four years, Betterbrands has delivered close to 60 tonnes: 2021: 14 tonnes, 2022: 18 tonnes, 2023: 12 tonnes, 2024: 15 tonnes
At current prices, that translates to nearly US$6 billion in total export earnings.
A Betterbrands spokesperson said the incentives have strengthened formal output and aligned producers with President Mnangagwa’s economic recovery agenda.
“We commend government for the incentives, which are helping reduce smuggling and increase foreign currency inflows,” the official said. “Given the progress from 2021, we expect to exceed 20 tonnes this year.”
Last year, artisanal and small-scale miners delivered 23.7 tonnes — almost double the 12.7 tonnes from large-scale operators — and contributed nearly two-thirds of Zimbabwe’s total 36.4-tonne gold output.
Industry analysts say this underscores the growing importance of the small-scale sector to export earnings and overall economic stability.
