Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
THE launch of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London service is expected to provide a major boost for horticultural exports, with industry experts saying the route will improve market access, reduce transit times for fresh produce and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the United Kingdom market.
The national carrier this week officially resumed direct flights to London Gatwick Airport after a 14-year hiatus, restoring a key air link expected to strengthen trade, tourism and investment between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the direct service came at an opportune time as Zimbabwe continued to expand production and exports of high-value horticultural crops.
The direct route, he said, would improve the movement of fresh produce by cutting transportation time, preserving product quality and ensuring exports reach the UK market faster.
“With the increase in our horticultural produce, particularly avocados, blueberries, pecan nuts, citrus and other fresh produce, the logistical ease that this direct flight brings is unimaginable. We should see our agricultural trade volumes increase,” said Prof Jiri.
He said improved air connectivity would strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a reliable supplier of premium fresh produce to international markets while supporting Government’s drive to increase agricultural exports and earn more foreign currency.
The United Kingdom remains Zimbabwe’s second-largest export destination for horticultural products, importing a wide range of fresh produce including blueberries, sugar snap and mangetout peas, tender stem broccoli, citrus fruits, chillies and butternut squash.
Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry has been recording steady growth, driven by increased investment in export-oriented production and rising demand for premium fresh produce in overseas markets.
Latest figures from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show that export earnings from fresh peas increased by 15 percent from US$2,9 million in 2023 to US$3,3 million last year, while export volumes rose by 12 percent from 2,56 million kilogrammes to 2,86 million kilogrammes over the same period.
Industry players believe the restored direct flights will help consolidate these gains by reducing reliance on connecting flights, lowering freight costs and minimising delays that often affect highly perishable produce.
The shorter journey is also expected to improve freshness and shelf life, allowing Zimbabwean exporters to meet the stringent quality requirements of UK retailers while enhancing the country’s competitiveness against other horticultural exporting nations.
