President jets in for exporters’ Indaba

Prosper Ndlovu/Raymond Jaravaza, Chronicle Writers

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa arrived in Bulawayo yesterday to officially open the ZimTrade Annual Exporters Conference today and engage with local producers and international buyers at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).

He was received at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport at 4.30pm by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, service chiefs, senior Government officials, war veterans’ national chairman Cde Cephas Ncube, and the Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial leadership.

Today’s official opening session marks the crux of the week-long “ZimTrade Export Week”, under the theme “Qala, Tanga, Start”, which draws attention to the need for aggressive inclusivity in exporting while growing the economy.

The event provides a grand opportunity to discuss strategies and solutions to propel Zimbabwe’s export growth, including trade policy, export facilitation, and capacity building for exporters.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwe is on an aggressive drive to grow its export earnings as it transforms the economy towards upper middle-income status by 2030.
Based on the conducive ease-of-doing-business climate ushered in by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, local businesses are ramping up production and embracing innovation and technology to enhance quality standards and achieve global competitiveness.

Head of today’s session, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said the return of the Exporters Conference to Bulawayo, a city historically known as a hub of commerce and industry, was commendable.

“This occasion represents a milestone in Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations, foster economic growth, and expand Zimbabwe’s global market presence,” he told delegates at yesterday’s Buyers Seminar.
“The expansion of this year’s programme into a full Export Week is a clear indication of the increasing importance of our export sector and the growing interest from buyers across the country, region and the global world.”

Amb Chimbindi said the Export Week programme was designed to foster stronger, long-lasting relationships between Zimbabwean companies and international buyers.
“At a time when global supply chains are increasingly interconnected, and competition for market share is a high-stakes game. Zimbabwe cannot afford to be left behind,” said Amb Chimbindi.

“Our products, whether in agriculture, horticulture, mining, or manufacturing are of high quality, to realise their full potential, we need platforms like this, where we can connect directly with buyers, showcase our products, and establish the trust and confidence that is essential in international trade.”
By bringing international buyers to Zimbabwe and facilitating direct engagement with local suppliers, he said ZimTrade was helping local businesses understand the specific requirements of different markets, from product quality and packaging to regulatory standards and logistical considerations.

ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, said this week’s focus on exports was a testament to the commitment to connecting buyers and sellers, facilitating meaningful exchanges, and driving economic growth.
“We will be exploring the latest trends in global trade, discussing innovative strategies for market entry, and providing you with valuable insights from industry experts,” he said.

“With our partners Afreximbank and Stanbic Bank, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you require to make informed decisions and seize new opportunities under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) and beyond.”

Mr Majuru commended the ingenuity of Zimbabweans who are making strides across sectors, including in the African agricultural landscape through providing appropriate technology for both smallholder farmers and commercial entities, impacting lives across the globe.
He said Zimbabwe was equally ready to contribute to the building and construction sector with its skilled people, as well as products of strength and quality such as timber, steel, and furniture among others.
“With a focus on quality and innovation, Zimbabwean companies are producing a wide range of delicious and nutritious foods.

From gourmet heritage-based snacks to ready-to-eat meals. These products are finding their way into homes around the world, promoting healthy eating and showcasing Zimbabwe’s culinary prowess,” said Mr Majuru.
“In the mining sector, Zimbabwean companies are utilising their experience to provide solutions in the region. They are providing essential equipment and services to mining operations, not only within the country but across Africa.”

Through the partnership with Afreximbank within the framework of the AfCFTA, Mr Majuru said ZimTrade was foreseeing a plethora of specific opportunities emerging.
“By leveraging the banks’ financial expertise and pan-African network, we aim to facilitate smoother transactions, reduce trade barriers, and foster a more conducive environment for cross-border commerce,” he said.

As Zimbabwe seeks to expand its footprint in the growing AfCFTA, local businesses must adhere to specific standards that govern this market.
There is consensus that the AfCFTA presents a massive opportunity, but to fully harness it, Zimbabwean exporters must comply with harmonised standards across the continent.

This includes meeting stringent quality, safety, and environmental benchmarks that can vary from country to country. By aligning with these standards, businesses can access a broader market, positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player in intra-African trade.
Through ZimTrade’s capacity-building initiatives such as the Eagles’ Nest Youth Export Incubation, and Next-She Exporter Programmes, many SMEs have been able to access new markets and increase their export volumes.

This is particularly evident in sectors such as processed foods, agriculture and horticulture, leather and leather products, and clothing, where SMEs have made significant strides in improving the quality and quantity of their produce for export.
Meanwhile, the Government has also commended ZimTrade’s efforts to introduce digital platforms, such as Shop@Zim, that connect buyers with suppliers, making it easier for international buyers to access information about Zimbabwean products while enabling companies to showcase their products to a global audience, without the need for physical presence.

Earlier, the participating international buyers, who are drawn from the United Kingdom, Zambia, Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia, conducted company visits to appreciate the local manufacturing sector and expressed excitement about the quality of Zimbabwean products.
Among the key highlights of today’s proceedings are presentations from key figures including the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu, founder of Brand Africa, Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, focused on creating a positive image of the continent, navigating logistical challenges to trade by Mr Gladmore Mubobo from the Ethiopian Airlines’ customer services agents, CEO of Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Washington Dube and Director for Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion Afreximbank, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe.

 

Mr Theodore Chinyanga the general manager of National Handling Services, Zimbabwe Dry Port in Walvis Bay Namibia will also be part of the panellists.
The programme will conclude with the Exporter of the Year Awards Dinner led by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira tonight.

The conference ends tomorrow with ongoing business engagements expected to generate tangible outcomes such as new business partnerships, export contracts, and deeper collaborations across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, leather, construction, engineering and services.
Ends