Online Reporter
Golden Sibanda in Maputo, Mozambique
Zimbabwean companies showcasing their products and services have generated strong interest and enquiries at the ongoing Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) 2026, with the majority of them bullish that the engagements with buyers will translate into trade deals or leads that will culminate in export orders and/or increased shipments into the rapidly growing Mozambican market.
Most exhibitors who spoke to this publication confirmed that they had been inundated with enquiries and requests for further information about their products, and expressed hope that this will lead to export orders and partnerships that will grow their exports.
A total of 20 local companies from across key sectors of the economy are exhibiting at Mozambique’s biggest international exhibition, which opened on 31 August 2026 and runs until 7 September 2026. National trade development and promotion body ZimTrade facilitated the companies’ participation in the trade fair, in line with Zimbabwe’s export-led growth strategy, economic diplomacy policy, and international engagement and re-engagement thrust.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo officially opened the oversubscribed exhibition on Monday at the Ricatla International Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre in Marracuene, Maputo Province.
The annual exhibition is expected to provide Zimbabwean companies with a strategic platform to unlock new export markets, secure more buyers, and forge stronger business partnerships in one of Zimbabwe’s most important regional export routes and destinations.
ZimTrade Eastern Region Manager, Mr Admire Jongwe, who is leading the Zimbabwean exhibitors at FACIM 2026, said that the local companies had been drawn from across key sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, transport and logistics, engineering, distribution, and handicrafts, among others.
“So far, these companies have managed to generate strong interest and enquiries from local buyers and distributors who are willing to do business with them.
“We hope that at the end of this trade exhibition, these business links will lead to new deals, export orders, and increased trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which is already one of our most important trade partners and export destinations,” Mr Jongwe said.
The country’s growing importance to Zimbabwe’s export sector is reflected in recent trade figures. Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique increased by four percent, rising from US$255,1 million in 2024 to US$266,2 million last year.
Nestlé Zimbabwe brand manager (Cocoa, Malt and Beverages) in Mozambique, Mrs Nilza Lacerda, said they had received many positive enquiries from buyers who want to understand their brands and do more business.
“So far, business has been good; there have been a lot of enquiries for business purposes. They want to understand our portfolio of exports; they want to understand Cerevita and the other products that we have.
“I believe that by the end of this trade fair, we will be in a situation whereby more people understand the brand, more people know the brand, and more business will come when it comes to exports to Mozambique,” she said.
ART Corporation sales and marketing representative, Ms Erica Tsangamidzi, said they had received strong enquiries from people who want their products, as well as testimonials from customers who have already done business with the company.
“The good thing is that we are getting a lot of traction on our Eversharp pen from people who have used the product since they were kids. We have got a lot of prospective people who want to distribute the Eversharp pen. For the Exide battery, it is already out there; we already have a representative here in Maputo. We are also getting some follow-ups on our Softex tissue product and on the timber side,” she said.
Mr Phineas Mhurunduru, the director of technical services at Verify Engineering, said, “We are getting a lot of interest in terms of medical oxygen and industrial gases. By virtue of our proximity to the Mozambican border, we believe we can service the market on the northern side of the border, which is close to Zimbabwe, and which is not getting these services from the capital, Maputo.”
He said the company had received significant interest from buyers enquiring about the company’s medical-related products and services, as well as its solar products.
“In terms of solar and medical oxygen, we believe we will get more leads this year [at FACIM], as there is a lot of interest. In terms of medical oxygen, we are already in the market; we are already in the country; it’s an issue of just consolidating and expanding,” he said.
Proplastics Zimbabwe sales and marketing director, Ms Agness Alfaneti, said the company’s participation at FACIM reflects its commitment to growing exports, strengthening regional relationships, and supporting infrastructure-led development across Southern Africa.
“As a Zimbabwean manufacturer with an active presence in the export market, Proplastics views FACIM as more than a trade exhibition: it is a practical platform for meeting customers, distributors, contractors, development partners, and public-sector stakeholders who are shaping the region’s future. The Maputo International Trade Fair is Mozambique’s largest annual multi-sector business and trade exhibition.
It brings together local and international companies, investors, trade missions, and public institutions to showcase products, promote exports, attract investment, and build commercial partnerships across agriculture, industry, infrastructure, technology, services, and other key sectors.
FACIM gives Proplastics direct access to regional buyers and decision-makers, helping convert interest into long-term supply relationships. Participation raises the profile of Zimbabwean manufacturing and demonstrates that local industry can compete beyond national borders. Export growth supports production stability, protects jobs, improves foreign currency generation, and strengthens the company’s ability to invest in capacity, quality, and innovation,” she said.
