Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
Eight buyers from the United Kingdom and European Union are expected to visit 11 local farm and food businesses that have prepared their horticultural products for export through their collaboration with the International Trade Centre.
The trade mission is organised by the UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme, funded by the UK Government and implemented by the ITC.
Delivering economic growth is a top priority for both the UK and Zimbabwe, and one of the key ways to achieve this is by increasing trade. By connecting local horticulture businesses with new UK and international markets, the mission aims to boost trade and investment, create jobs, enhance foreign currency earnings, and strengthen climate and economic resilience.
Such initiatives also support the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) for 2026 to 2030.
This trade mission marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean horticulture businesses. In February, the UK funded eight Zimbabwean exporters to attend the Fruit Logistica Trade Show in Germany, in collaboration with ZimTrade and the Horticultural Development Council (HDC).
In preparation for the outward trade mission to Germany, the exhibitors worked with coaches to customise upgrades to their product presentation and marketing.
Farmers are now set to showcase produce including peas, mangetout/snow peas, rock melons/cantaloupe, Victoria pineapples and chillies to UK and European buyers.
If successful, these entrepreneurs could sign deals enabling them to enter one of the world’s most competitive food markets.
As a UN small business agency, the ITC offers a full range of services designed to help entrepreneurs benefit from global trade. With the rules of global trade shifting, trade missions such as this one in Zimbabwe ensure that small businesses can diversify their markets.
Local goods can also enter the UK market tariff-free under the Economic Partnership Agreement between Eastern and Southern African countries and the UK (the ESA–UK EPA).
The buyers are expected to begin their mission with visits to farms in Harare, followed by an official welcome reception at the British Embassy, where they will meet additional farmers from Harare and other regions.
They will then travel to Mutorashanga, Mvurwi, Chegutu, Shurugwi and Mutare.
Mvurwi is expected to be visited next Tuesday.
