Online Reporter
Golden Sibanda, in Maputo, Mozambique
Zimbabwe has laid a strong foundation to ramp up exports into the Mozambican market, following the huge interest in local products that Zimbabwean firms exhibited at the 61st edition of the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) 2026, in Mozambique.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo officially opened the fair, which ran from 31 August to 7 September 2026, and promised to press ahead with reforms to eliminate complications and improve the business environment in the country.
The annual exhibition provided 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 gateways and destinations.
Mozambique’s premier multi-sector trade fair attracts businesses, investors, government officials and buyers from across Africa and beyond, creating opportunities for exhibitors to expand their regional and international reach.
More than 20 Zimbabwean companies from key sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, transport and logistics, building materials, engineering, energy and handicrafts, took part in Mozambique’s largest trade fair.
National trade development and promotion body ZimTrade facilitated local firms’ participation in FACIM 2026, as part of the Government’s efforts to grow exports, implement its economic diplomacy policy, and advance its engagement and re-engagement drive.
The exhibitors’ stands, housed under the ZimTrade pavilion, received constant and heavy traffic from international buyers throughout the fair, with the buyers highly impressed by the high quality and good taste (for food products) of the Zimbabwean products on display.
Several companies confirmed that they had concluded export deals into Mozambique or had at least generated leads that are expected to result in new or increased export orders into the rapidly growing Mozambican market.
ZimTrade Eastern Region Manager, Mr Admire Jongwe, who led the exhibitors to FACIM 2026, said the national trade development and promotion body had been encouraged by the strong interest generated by Zimbabwean products, as well as the high quality of business engagements recorded during the week-long fair.
“The participation resulted in leads, deals and agreements that were concluded. This mileage gained will help create a strong foundation for increased trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“The insights gained from this year’s participation will help Zimbabwean companies sharpen their trade strategies when dealing with our Mozambican counterparts.
“ZimTrade looks forward to building on this momentum and deepening commercial ties between the two countries,” Mr Jongwe said.
The founder of Tshisam Trading, Mrs Tshiyiwe Sibhula, who serves as the director and chairperson of the agro-processing firm, said her company generated significant new export orders, while all the products she had taken to the Mozambican trade fair were sold out amid strong customer demand.
Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique grew by 4 percent, from US$255.1 million in 2024 to US$266.2 million in 2025, backed by the ZimTrade national export drive.
Zimbabwe aims to reach US$14 billion in annual export earnings by 2030, supported by an annual growth rate of at least 10 percent for goods.
