adminThe 9th Eastern and Southern African Dairy Association conference and exhibition which opened in Harare yesterday is expected to open export markets for local players.
The Esada conference and exhibition has attracted delegates from 40 countries on the continent.
Zimbabwe Diary Industry Trust chairperson Mr Thompson Mabika said the conference would assist in showcasing investment opportunities within the Zimbabwean dairy industry to both regional and international delegates and investors.
“It is an opportunity to share experiences with other countries experiencing similar challenges and those who have managed to overcome such challenges,” he said.
“It will also provide a link with key suppliers of various inputs required by the industry as well as networking for potential export markets for Zimbabwean produce,” he said.
ZDIT is the apex board that represents the interests of the dairy industry value chain in the country and of late the sector has not been exporting due to viability problems which include high production costs.
Mr Mabika said close to 30 speakers were expected to present during the indaba which ends tomorrow.
“A total of 28 renowned regional and international speakers from South Africa, Rwanda, UAE, Zambia, USA, Germany and Zimbabwe will deliver presentations covering the entire value chain of production, processing, marketing,” he said.
Esada was formed in 2004 with the overall mission of increasing trade in dairy products in the member countries and beyond.
Specific Esada objectives include actively lobbying for an improved policy environment conducive to regional and international trade with the new association already working with the Common Market for East and Southern Africa on the regional dairy policy agenda.
The conference and exhibition is running under the theme “Enhancing Africa’s Food Security the Milky Way”. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter