Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
SWEDISH companies are increasingly turning to Zimbabwe as a business destination, a shift from traditional development aid to trade and investment-driven partnerships.
This growing interest was evident at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), where four Swedish firms participated — up from just one last year — highlighting rising confidence in Zimbabwe’s market.
In an interview, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde, said the uptick reflects a broader recalibration of Sweden’s engagement strategy, driven by global economic and geopolitical changes.
“Last year, we had one Swedish company participating. This year we have four, which is an improvement,” he said.
“They are emphasising that Zimbabwe is open for business. While the business environment can still improve, there is a genuine willingness by the Government to facilitate trade and investment to grow in Zimbabwe.”
The shift comes as Sweden — like many global partners — reduces reliance on development aid in favour of mutually beneficial economic partnerships that drive growth and job creation.
Amb Lindgärde said trade is critical for economic growth and for creating employment.
“Trade is important for a country’s growth and for a country’s ability to create new jobs,” said the Ambassador.
Mining remains the anchor of the Zimbabwe-Sweden trade relations, with growing interest from Swedish firms in supporting the sector’s modernisation.
Earlier this week, Swedish mining companies engaged with the Zimbabwe School of Mines, exploring partnerships that include the provision of modern training equipment and scholarships for postgraduate studies in Sweden.
The discussions align with Zimbabwe’s push towards value addition and beneficiation, a key pillar of its economic transformation agenda.
“There is a clear realisation in Zimbabwe that more value addition must happen locally, rather than exporting raw materials,” said Amb Lindgärde.
He said Sweden and the broader European union could support this shift through technology transfer and capacity building.
“Technical transfer and capacity building to enable more value addition and beneficiation in Zimbabwe, is something we should look into in more detail,” he said.
Despite the growing interest, trade volumes between the two countries remain modest, presenting significant room for expansion.
“Trade between Sweden and Zimbabwe is still relatively low, which means there is potential for growth,” said Amb Lindgärde.
Beyond mining, Swedish companies are also exploring opportunities in telecommunications and transport.
Telecommunications giant Ericsson already has a footprint in Zimbabwe through its partnership with Econet Wireless, with potential to expand into digital solutions for the mining sector.
In transport, global manufacturers Volvo and Scania have been identified as potential suppliers of trucks and buses, as Zimbabwe upgrades its logistics and public transport systems.
