Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
ZIMBABWEAN exporters in the southern region are set to get a major opportunity to engage international buyers when the 2026 Shop@Zim Buyers’ Forum kicks off in Bulawayo next month.
The National trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, will host the buyers’ forum and the Exporter of the Year Awards from November 2 to 6 in Bulawayo and Harare.
The programme is expected to bring together Zimbabwean exporters, international buyers and policymakers to explore new markets, strengthen business relationships and identify opportunities for value addition.
In a statement, ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between local businesses and export markets while helping exporters understand global market trends.
“The event is designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of global market dynamics, connect Zimbabwean companies with buyers, and align national export strategies with opportunities for growth and value addition,” he said.
Buyers from Africa, Europe and Asia are expected to participate, providing local companies with an opportunity to establish and strengthen long-term trade partnerships.
Mr Majuru said the decision to introduce tailored buyer sessions followed positive feedback and tangible results from previous programmes.
He said this year’s programme had been expanded to cover both Bulawayo and Harare to allow exporters from different regions to participate and engage buyers directly.
“This format allows for greater participation and more tailored interactions, resulting in partnerships, business deals, and the identification of new markets for Zimbabwean products,” he said.
The Bulawayo leg will kick off on November 2, giving companies in the southern region an opportunity to pitch their products and services directly to selected regional and international buyers.
The engagements will then move to Harare on November 4 for the second Shop@Zim Buyers’ Forum.
The week-long programme will culminate in the ZimTrade Exporter of the Year Awards in Harare on November 6.
“The week’s activities will conclude on November 6 with the prestigious ZimTrade Exporter of the Year Awards, in Harare,” said Mr Majuru.
“This gala event will celebrate Zimbabwean companies that have demonstrated excellence in exporting and honours businesses that have adopted best practices in growing their international markets.”
The forum comes as Zimbabwean companies continue to seek opportunities to expand their presence in regional and international markets.
