Sidumisile Mabena
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to headline the Exporters Conference and Awards, which will take place on 20 February 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City in Bulawayo.
The conference is designed as a high-level dialogue, featuring President Mnangagwa as the guest of honour and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira.
In a statement, the national trade development and promotion body said the event will provide exporters with a unique opportunity to engage directly with national leadership on policy and practice.
The event, which will run under the theme “Rooted Locally, Growing Globally,” will focus on building Zimbabwean export competitiveness by leveraging domestic strengths for international success.
In a statement, Zimtrade said the gathering comes at a pivotal time, with recent data from ZimStat showing that manufactured goods exports have surged, with exports of value-added products increasing by 29 percent from US$404 million between January and November 2024 to US$522 million during the same period in 2025.
“Our goal is to sustain and accelerate this momentum in value-added exports,” said Zimtrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru.
“Strategic alignment between Government policy and business execution is critical. This conference is the definitive platform to forge that collaboration and set our national export agenda for the year.”
Zimtrade said attendees will gain forward-looking insights from an acclaimed international speaker line-up, including founder and chief executive officer of Ecopia (Ethiopia) Dr Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, co-founder and general manager of Africa Collect Textiles (Kenya) Mr Alex Musembi, and the executive director of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (Ethiopia), Nicholas Mudungwe.
“The sessions will provide actionable frameworks for integrating into global value chains, adopting sustainable trade models, and leveraging technologies such as AI to drive export growth,” said Zimtrade.
“The day-long conference will culminate in the prestigious Exporters Awards Gala, celebrating top-performing companies.
“Award categories are designed to recognise excellence at all levels, from the SME Exporter of the Year to major sector champions.”
According to Zimtrade, an award of significant note is the Intra-Africa Trade Award, introduced last year to champion regional commerce.
“The Intra-Africa Trade Award promotes and encourages the pioneers who are transforming Zimbabwe’s trade profile by participating in continental trade and championing the country’s participation and opportunities in the AfCFTA,” added Mr Majuru.
For the business community, the event is an essential investment.
It offers unparalleled networking, learning and recognition opportunities, all aimed at driving profitability and resilience in Zimbabwe’s export sector.
Online Reporter