Seed Co Limited, Zimbabwe’s largest seed producer, has parted ways with two senior executives and two managers as part of the group’s comprehensive business review strategy.
The move has resulted in the exit of key personnel across the company’s strategy, commercial and technical departments.
Chief executive Mr Morgan Nzwere said the review was initiated to ensure the business structure remains competitive and fit for future growth.
As part of this realignment, the services of certain high-ranking officials were deemed no longer aligned with the company’s evolving strategic needs.
Those who have been affected by the layoffs are Mr Patrick Mutandwa — strategy implementation executive, Ms Locadia Ganjani — commercial director, Tirivashe Vushemasimba, processing and artificial drier manager, Ms Christine Mumbire — key accounts manager and Ms Patience Phiri — public relations and media officer.
Also exiting the group is Mr Patrick Spadin, who served as the agro transformation manager for Africa and as a representative for Limagrain, a shareholder in the company.
Mr Spadin holds a long history with the company, having served as a non-executive director before he was appointed an executive.
“This is a standard exercise where we conduct business reviews to determine if certain positions remain aligned with our strategic goals or if specific competencies are still relevant to the organisation,” said Mr Nzwere.
He dismissed speculation that the layoffs were part of a broader retrenchment exercise, noting instead that they were a targeted result of this organisational alignment.
Seed Co’s revenue for the first half ending September 2025 reached US$11,6 million, marking a 39 percent year-on-year decline.
The decrease was primarily driven by shifts in the agricultural cycle, a smaller winter wheat season and a reduction in exports as regional supplies recovered.
Mr Nzwere characterised the first half as a period of “strategic adjustment and disciplined execution.”
Despite lower trading activity compared to the previous year, Mr Nzwere noted that the operating environment has begun to stabilise, supported by improved price stability, moderated inflation, and growing market confidence.
The company has maintained a rigorous focus on aligning operations with emerging market dynamics.
“We are preserving value through strict cost control and advancing our innovation and product development agenda,” Mr Nzwere said.
Operating expenses remained consistent with the prior year, demonstrating management’s focus on efficiency within a fully dollarised cost base.
Cash flow turned positive due to tighter working capital management and a deliberate focus on debt collection and inventory optimisation.
Finance costs increased as the company utilised short-term facilities to bridge delays in receipts from debtors. – Herald
