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BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – October 17, 2024 President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the 2024 Zimbabwe Exporters Week at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo today, emphasising the importance of innovation, technology, and strategic trade growth to meet the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
Addressing stakeholders at the ZimTrade Annual Exporters’ Conference, the President highlighted the nation’s export achievements and the ongoing need to diversify and expand Zimbabwe’s market presence globally.
Speaking to exporters, captains of industry, and key government officials, President Mnangagwa outlined Zimbabwe’s progress, noting an export increase to US$4.56 billion from January to August 2024, a 1.8 percent rise from the same period in 2023.
This growth was bolstered by the horticulture and value-added sectors, which saw gains of 5.2 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively.
He attributed this success to the resilience of Zimbabwean businesses, particularly in the face of global economic challenges.
“Our exports serve as a catalyst for vibrant industrialisation and socio-economic development,” the President declared, underscoring the critical role exports play in the country’s economic framework. He called on local businesses to leverage Zimbabwe’s unique resources, skills, and expertise to produce proudly Zimbabwean products that can compete in international markets.
He stressed that innovation and technological advancements were central to enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwean industries.
He urged exporters to embrace new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to transform trade operations and position themselves in both traditional and non-traditional markets. The President highlighted the importance of research and development, noting that the government had established innovation hubs at all state universities to support entrepreneurship and technological growth across sectors.
“Continuous innovation, skills development, and science and technology are of critical importance,” said President Mnangagwa, adding that AI’s potential to transform trade logistics and product competitiveness should be fully explored.
As Zimbabwe assumes the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mnangagwa noted that this strategic position would provide opportunities to enhance regional trade cooperation.
He called on Zimbabwean businesses to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a game-changer for intra-African trade and a critical opportunity for Zimbabwe to increase its market share across the continent.
The President also lauded ZimTrade for its efforts in clustering key export sectors, which he said had facilitated the entry of Zimbabwean companies into new markets.
He encouraged exporters to diversify their product portfolios to remain competitive in an ever-evolving global market.
President Mnangagwa announced that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) would soon pilot an Electronic Single Window System aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing the clearance of goods at the country’s ports of entry.
The system is expected to cut down on trading costs and expedite the movement of goods, further aiding exporters.
The President emphasised the need for sustainable energy solutions to support trade and industrial growth, urging the private sector to partner with the Government in expanding solar and renewable energy projects.
This, he said, would help reduce Zimbabwe’s carbon footprint while supporting the country’s push toward becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
In closing, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to openness, fairness, and mutual benefit in trade relations.
He encouraged exporters to explore opportunities at Expo 2025 in Osaka, positioning Zimbabwe as a dynamic player on the global stage.
“Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that Zimbabwe not only meets, but exceeds its potential in the global marketplace,” he concluded, before declaring the 2024 ZimTrade Annual Exporters Conference officially open
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