Bata Shoe Company has increased its capacity utilisation from 27% to 42%, with the footwear manufacturer targeting further growth to 65%, according to company statements verified by local news reports as of July 2026.
The company attributed the improvement to enhanced currency stability in Zimbabwe, which has supported production planning and raw material imports. Bata's managing director confirmed the figures in a recent interview, noting that the 42% utilisation rate marks a significant recovery from previous lows.
Bata Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of the global Bata Shoe Organisation, operates a factory in Gweru and has been a major employer in the country's manufacturing sector. The company did not provide a specific timeline for reaching the 65% target.
