We want to increase the number of exporters

Trade Focus

Allan Majuru

Zimbabwean products are gaining popularity across the world, signalling a growing appetite for locally produced goods and the opening up of new markets.

This increasing demand reflects the successes of President Mnangagwa’s economic diplomacy agenda being implemented through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; in particular, efforts to enhance export competitiveness, diversify product offerings and establish a strong presence in international markets.

In recent years, exports have been on an upward trajectory.

This growth highlights the sustained efforts to expand market access and support local producers in meeting international standards.

Huge leap

Data shows that the country’s exports stood at US$7,43 billion in 2024, which is a 2,9 percent jump from the US$7,2 billion recorded in 2023.

The growth has been anchored in notable successes in key sectors.

For example, horticultural exports grew by 12,4 percent to US$59,8 million last year, up from US$53,2 million in 2023.

Major exports in the sector included tea, blueberries, citrus, macadamia nuts, fresh flowers and peas.

In addition, exports of agricultural inputs and implements increased by 39 percent from US$27 million in 2023 to US$37,5 million in 2024.

Major exported products in the sector included maize seed amounting to US$15,2 million, up from US$3,5 million in 2023, and fruits and spores, which recorded US$4,6 million in 2024 from US$3,5 million in 2023.

This growth underscores the sector’s potential given growing global demand for fresh produce.

Zimbabwe’s participation in international trade fairs, such as Fruit Logistica that was scheduled for February 5-7 in Germany, as well as capacity-building interventions by ZimTrade and its local and international partners, are contributing to this positive momentum.

Exports of minerals and alloys marginally went up by 1,6 percent to US$5,56 billion last year from US$5,48 billion a year earlier.

Major exported products included gold, nickel mattes, oxide sinters and other products of nickel metallurgy, nickel ores and concentrates, and ferroalloys.

During the same period, unmanufactured tobacco exports increased by 11,5 percent to US$1,33 billion in 2024 from US$1,19 billion in 2023.

Apart from growth in exports, efforts have also been concentrated on diversifying markets as over-reliance on a single market is unsustainable.

In 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became Zimbabwe’s largest export market, overtaking South Africa.

Zimbabwe’s exports to the UAE amounted to US$2,65 billion, up from US$1,91 billion in 2023, translating to a 39 percent increase.

Exports to South Africa declined by 4,4 percent to US$2,14 billion from US$2,33 billion recorded in 2023.

During the same period, exports to Mozambique grew by 22,6 percent from US$397,7 million to US$487,6 million, whilst shipments to Netherlands rose by 12,9 percent from US$69,6 million to US$78,5 million.

Exports to Vietnam jumped by 35,3 percent to US$71,7 million from US$48,8 million, whilst exports to Zambia gained by 1,7 percent to US$144,8 million from US$142,3 million.

This success in traditional and non-traditional markets follows efforts to strengthen international engagement and expand trade cooperation, which have reinforced economic ties, leading to notable export growth across multiple regions.

Looking ahead, we are deepening our efforts, directed by our Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, who is clear that Zimbabwe has vast opportunities and national infrastructure that can transform the country into a centre of innovation, production and trade in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) if fully utilised.

Going forward, we are working to unlock opportunities from our heritage, including natural endowments.

We are also leveraging our diplomatic missions to put trade first and bring a balance to the structure of our markets, making sure they are not concentrated in a few countries, as is the current situation.

We are also putting in place the necessary and supportive infrastructure to facilitate trade and getting involved in the production processes, especially at rural community level.

We are now coordinating linkages between our national infrastructure, such as innovation centres and businesses, and creating sustainable business partnerships between our businesses and potential partners across the world.

This year, working closely with our parent ministry and our diplomatic missions abroad, we are establishing regional warehouse and consolidation centres across Zimbabwe.

This initiative seeks to streamline logistics, reduce transportation costs and enhance product storage and handling.

This creation of a more efficient supply chain will help exporters, including small and medium enterprises, to gain better access to regional and international markets.

The consolidation centres will also facilitate bulk shipments, improve product quality standards and ensure timely deliveries, making Zimbabwean goods more competitive on the global market.

Expo 2025 Osaka

Further, we will leverage Expo 2025 Osaka, scheduled for April 13 to October 13 in Japan, as a strategic platform to showcase Zimbabwean products to a global audience, boost exports and increase international market penetration.

The event will provide local businesses with an opportunity to present their products in key sectors, such as manufactured goods, arts and crafts, and heritage-based items, to potential buyers across the world.

On the sidelines of the expo, we have also organised business engagement programmes, which include business networking sessions and business-to-business meetings.

This will allow Zimbabwean companies to gain access to new export markets and forge valuable partnerships.

The expo will give a platform for Zimbabwe to showcase its commitment to sustainable production, high-quality standards and value addition, which will reinforce the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier.

The event will also serve as a platform to attract foreign investment into Zimbabwe’s export sector, strengthening supply chains and enhancing competitiveness.

Undoubtedly, Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to open doors to new trade opportunities and expand the footprint of local products in regional and international markets.

Increasing export-ready businesses

Also, this year, we will expand our initiatives, such as the Eagles’ Nest; Next She Exporter; and Cluster programmes, by increasing participation, enhancing training and strengthening market linkages.

The target is to increase the number of export-ready businesses, enhance product competitiveness and drive export growth.

Through targeted support for small businesses, youth- and women-led enterprises and sector-based clusters, we will build a stronger, more inclusive export sector and position Zimbabwe as a key player in international trade.The youth-focused programme is now in its fourth season, and we have received over 800 applications from youth-led businesses.

This indicates the confidence that is growing among young people in our interventions.

Some of the participants in the previous programme are exporting, with their products in major retails shops in Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa. Others are exporting to distributors in international markets such as the United Kingdom, Dubai and Malaysia.

This year, we will support more youth-led enterprises and start-ups, equipping them with export-readiness training, mentorship and direct exposure to international buyers.

This will create a stronger pipeline of globally competitive businesses.

The Next She Exporter Programme will grow by bringing in more women-led enterprises from all provinces, providing targeted capacity-building, access to financing and tailored market entry support.

This will empower more women to succeed in international trade, driving inclusive economic growth.

We will also strengthen the Cluster Programme by incorporating more businesses in key sectors and improving value chain integration. Leveraging our heritage, we will ensure that all districts unlock economic opportunities from their natural endowments.

This will enhance production efficiency, product quality and collective export capacity, making Zimbabwean products more competitive globally.

To ensure market access, we will facilitate greater participation in international trade fairs, inbound buyer missions and business-to-business matchmaking events.

These efforts will connect our exporters with global markets, creating new trade opportunities. Apart from these targeted programmes, we also recognise the significant role that Zimbabwean diaspora communities play in promoting the country’s exports and fostering economic growth. We are working on building strong partnerships with diaspora communities, leveraging their networks and resources to expand Zimbabwe’s presence in international markets.

Here, we are engaging the diaspora to drive export growth by leveraging their networks and market access.

We are implementing programmes to connect local exporters with diaspora business communities, facilitating trade partnerships and market expansion.

We are turning Zimbabweans in the diaspora into strategic trade ambassadors, who are crucial in expanding market reach, increasing export volumes and strengthening Zimbabwe’s global trade presence.

Allan Majuru is the chief executive officer of ZimTrade.