Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has underscored the critical role of technological advancement and knowledge transfer in driving continuous improvement and innovation.
He noted that these elements are not just beneficial but transformative, significantly boosting the productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness of trade businesses.
The President was speaking on Thursday morning at the ZimTrade Exporters Conference that is being held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The conference has seen delegates from Zimbabwe and abroad gathering to share ideas on how to improve the export of quality Zimbabwe goods and produce to the international market.
“We must leverage our country’s unique resources, skills and expertise, to proudly produce Zimbabwean and African products for the international markets. In this regard, continuous innovation, skills development, and science and technology are of critical importance to enhance the competitiveness of domestic companies,” said the President.
He said the theme of this year’s Conference, Qala, Tanga, Start, is apt and a call to action.
“Our local industries which were not yet exporting are challenged “to get started”, make bold decisions and seize the numerous opportunities offered by global markets. I, further, urge you to explore international trade opportunities and foster new connections between Zimbabwean businesses and global markets. This must in turn foster inclusivity in growing exports from across all provinces of the country and help to shift mindsets as we accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
The President recognised and commended ZimTrade’s efforts to increase exports through clustering of key sectors and this approach has resulted in Zimbabwean companies entering and expanding in both traditional and non-traditional markets.
“Our exports increased to US$4.56 billion during the period January to August 2024, up 1.8 percent from the US$4.48 billion recorded during the same period last year. The growth benefited from gains in horticulture and value-added exports, which increased by 5.2 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively,” he said.
The President also said Zimbabwe’s recent assumption of the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is a significant milestone for the country, with regards regional integration efforts, and also providing a strategic platform to advance business to business coordination, within the regional trade bloc.
“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment and continue on the course to advance our trade potential on the regional, continental and global stage.
“You should move with speed to diversify and improve your product portfolio, so that it remains relevant and competitive, in line with the level of global technological advancements,” he added.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Mr Allan Majuru said they are cognisant of the importance of including women and youth empowerment in their work.
“We understand that the impact of trade on national development goes beyond the numbers and should touch on women and youths as well as our rural communities. The Eagles Nest Youth Export Incubator, The Next She Exporter Programme and the Provincial Export Cluster programme has ushered in a new breed of born-global micro-multinationals who are taking head-on opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area and beyond.
“From crafty leather to Masawu Chutney, from vegetable-based engineering oils to heritage-based natural hair products. We have exported ponma to West Africa and sent functional art pieces to Zanzibar, UK and USA – and all this and many more achievements have come from these groups,” he said.
Mr Majuru also announced the rebranding of the event from the Exporters’ Conference to Zimbabwe Export Week.
“This expanded platform includes the Buyers Shop@Zim, Google Africa Digital Skills Training, and the Exporter of the Year Awards,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu