Export cluster initiative key in driving export growth – ZimTrade

Sikhulekelani Moyo

Zimpapers Business Hub

NATIONAL trade promotion and development body, ZimTrade, says its export cluster initiative has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s trade strategy, serving as a catalyst for sustainable export growth and development.

The initiative entails organising producers around specific products and markets across the country to address challenges such as scale, quality consistency and coordination.

ZimTrade’s export clusters and integration of previously marginalised communities into the mainstream export business drive the growth of Zimbabwe’s export earnings.

As part of its strategy to grow exports, Zimbabwe introduced the National Export Promotion Strategy, which targets to achieve export earnings of around US$14 billion by 2030.

The export of produce has traditionally been the domain of commercial farming and manufacturing entities.

It is now evident that even consolidated smaller entities can successfully venture into the export business, provided they receive adequate support from the country’s national trade development and promotion organisation.

Clusters enable smallholder farmers to meet the required export volumes, help in standardising operations and eliminate middlemen who normally shortchange the small-scale growers by buying produce at meagre and economically unviable prices.

Efforts have been made to equip farmers with market intelligence and integrate them into the mainstream export business, making it easier for ZimTrade to undertake its mandate of facilitating export growth.

Steps are being taken to assist these clusters with certification, so that they earn more when they supply lucrative niche markets.

Cluster establishment, rural industrialisation and recognition of women-led enterprises are designed to enhance each district and province’s contribution to national export growth.

This is in line with the devolution agenda spearheaded by the Second Republic to grow exports through increased contribution from all sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy.