Zimbabwe Aims to Boost Exports Through International Trade Missions

Zimbabwe's ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, has stated that ZimTrade's international trade missions will help secure profitable export deals for the country. ZimTrade, Zimbabwe's national trade development and promotion organization, has been actively working to create business synergies between Zimbabwean businesses and buyers in the region and beyond.

Charamba expressed her optimism about the potential for Zimbabwean companies to find markets in Zambia and other countries through these trade missions. "Zimbabwean companies participating in these events have the opportunity to increase brand awareness, generate new leads, form partnerships, and showcase their products, services, and technologies," she said.

The ambassador was particularly impressed by the number of Zimbabwean companies exhibiting at the recent Agritech Expo in Zambia, which showcased agricultural technologies, products, and services. She noted that the products were designed for both smallholder and commercial farmers, demonstrating the versatility of Zimbabwe's agricultural sector.

Why this matters: Zimbabwe's efforts to boost exports through international trade missions have the potential to strengthen the country's economy and create new opportunities for businesses. By expanding into regional and international markets, Zimbabwean companies can diversify their customer base and increase their revenue streams.

In addition to the trade missions, ZimTrade has also launched the 'Next She Exporter' program, which has empowered over 200 women entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe with export development training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program aims to support women-owned businesses and increase their contribution to Zimbabwe's exports.

Some of the program's participants have already started exporting their products to regional and international markets, with winners receiving awards for best value addition and most innovative business. ZimTrade is now accepting applications for the third season of the 'Next She Exporter' program, which is open to wholly female-owned businesses or those with at least 51% women shareholding.

Looking ahead, the 64th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is set to take place from April 25-27, 2024, with the theme 'Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade.' The trade expo will feature exhibitors from various sectors, including the food industry and pharmacy, and will showcase technological innovations that can drive industrial growth. Kenyan President William Ruto will officially open the event.

ZimTrade will have a pavilion at the ZITF, showcasing products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as processed foods, leather products, and cosmetics. The ZITF is expected to position local industry players to clinch major deals and expand their market.

While Zambia is currently Zimbabwe's largest trading partner in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the trade balance is in Zambia's favor. Charamba stated that Zimbabwe aims to offset this imbalance by encouraging more Zimbabwean companies to establish themselves in Zambia and other international markets through ZimTrade's trade missions and export development programs. "The trade missions have helped Zimbabwean companies find markets in Zambia," she said, highlighting the success of these initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe's trade missions help secure export deals for local businesses.
• ZimTrade's 'Next She Exporter' program empowers over 200 women entrepreneurs.
• The 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to showcase industrial innovations.
• Zambia is Zimbabwe's largest trading partner, but trade balance favors Zambia.
• Zimbabwe aims to offset trade imbalance through ZimTrade's export programs.