ARROW CHEM, one of Zimbabwe’s leading chemical supply and industrial training enterprises, has opened its first branch outside Bulawayo since its establishment in 2010.
The expansion into Gweru marks a significant milestone in the company’s 14-year journey and is expected to unlock new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, youth, women, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Midlands Province.
In a statement, Arrow Chem said the move was driven by a steady increase in clients from the Midlands region.
“Our expansion is part of a broader vision to scale up our footprint across the country. We are committed to improving access to essential chemicals and industrial training nationwide. For years, many SMEs in the Midlands have struggled with the high costs of importing detergents and chemical supplies from distant suppliers, an expense that has limited growth for many start-ups,” the company said.
The new Gweru branch is already beginning to change that reality, offering services that were previously inaccessible for many emerging manufacturers.
Arrow Chem is widely known for its practical, hands-on training in detergent and household product manufacturing skills that have empowered thousands of Zimbabweans to produce goods such as dishwashing liquid, floor polish, petroleum jelly, toilet cleaners, and other basic consumables.
“With this new branch now operational, more youth, women, and unemployed residents in Gweru will benefit from our low-cost but transformative training programs,” the company said.
“We often conduct regular training sessions to capacitate our clients and guide them on the best areas to invest their hard-earned money to improve their livelihoods. As a company, we believe that our growth must go hand in hand with the community’s growth. That is how we contribute to national development.”
- Handling scenarios not covered by IFRS
- SMEs urged to adopt business models to promote economic growth
- Building capacity for factoring in Africa to support AfCFTA
- HCC guns for space barons
Keep Reading
Arrow Chem further noted that Gweru has always been a strategic location due to its central position and growing economic activity.
“We are excited to be in Gweru. Our goal has always been to equip communities with skills and affordable inputs needed to build sustainable businesses. By bringing our services closer to the people, we are reducing barriers, cutting transport costs, and accelerating local enterprise development,” the company said.
Local entrepreneurs have welcomed the development, saying easy access to chemicals will boost production capacity, improve product quality, and enhance competitiveness in local markets.
For many budding manufacturers, the establishment of Arrow Chem in Gweru removes the financial strain of long-distance sourcing and builds confidence in starting or expanding their operations.
Local youth, Tawanda Tanyanyiwa, said:
“Empowerment should come through companies that are within reach. Arrow Chem has created an opportunity for us to start our own businesses and contribute to a more productive youth community in Gweru.”
Given the relatively low capital required to start detergent manufacturing, community members believe Arrow Chem’s presence could also play a positive role in addressing drug and substance abuse among young people.
“As a parent and marketer, I think if this company works closely with government ministries responsible for youth development, its presence will bring remarkable change in how young people view life. Drug and substance abuse will decrease, and unemployment will also be reduced,” said Martha Mususa.
Another local manufacturer, Lian Dhliwayo, added:
“This is a cost- and time-saving development for my business. We will now spend more time on production instead of travelling long distances to source consumables.”
Arrow Chem emphasised that its arrival in Gweru aligns with national efforts to empower youth and women through skills development and self-employment opportunities, a critical intervention in light of Zimbabwe’s high unemployment levels.
With the new branch now operational, the company plans to roll out more training sessions, outreach programs, and SME support initiatives in the coming months.
The expansion not only reflects business growth for Arrow Chem but also represents a meaningful investment in community empowerment and economic resilience across the Midlands Province.
