Tea, coffee exports generate $38,5 million, amid growing demand

ZIMBABWE’S tea and coffee sector has generated a combined US$38,5 million in revenue from exporting to Europe, Asia and the United States according to ZimTrade.

Among the renowned brands is Nespresso, which sources coffee from over 400 Zimbabwean producers, boosting production by seven percent and enhancing quality by over 50 percent.

ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, revealed this last Thursday at the 2024 Annual Exporters Conference in Bulawayo where he lauded the growing international recognition of local products as a strong indicator of growing demand for local products.

He told delegates during the official opening of the conference by President Mnangagwa that Tanganda has one of the world’s most efficient tea operations in Chipinge.

“With their distinct flavours and premium quality, these exports are a growing success, earning a combined US$38,5 million in revenue, with most exports going to Europe, Asia, and the United States,” said Mr Majuru.

“Notably, Nespresso sources coffee from over 400 Zimbabwean producers, boosting production by seven percent and quality by over 50 percent.

“This international recognition underscores the growing demand for our products, and we are ready to meet that demand.”

He noted that the country is working on penetrating the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Malaysian and Thai markets.

He indicated that Zimbabwean blueberries are highly in demand in Asia. In the first half of the year, Macadamia exports raked in 21 percent, more than the same period last year to over US$4 million in 2024.

Mr Majuru said China is the country’s biggest destination for Macadamia, noting that during the recently held Focac, the Chinese government committed that from 2025 to 2028, they will implement an EPA with Africa, which will see the removal of most duties on our exports.

This, he said, will provide a leg-up for macadamia growers as they will be able to realise better returns on their exports.

Mr Majuru said ZimTrade has also facilitated local companies to participate in Outward Trade Missions and Inward Missions from the DRC and United Arab Emirates.

“The reception in these markets has been exceptional, a clear testament to the success of the Government’s policy of economic diplomacy.

“Under the Second Republic, we have signed protocols with China for citrus and avocado exports. We have also explored new markets in Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria, positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in intra-African trade. We have also done the same in the Middle East,” said Mr Majuru.

He also noted that the country’s export performance has been on an upward trend, registering an eight percent increase from US$7,02 billion in 2022 to US$7,6 billion in 2023, surpassing the national target of $7,2 billion. This year’s conference was held under the theme: “Qala, Start, Tanga.”

The conference is also key in supporting some of the existing ZimTrade projects such as the “Eagles Nest” and “Next She Exporter,” which have successfully capacitated female and youth-led businesses to export into the region and beyond.

Key outcomes from issues raised during the programme will be used to produce industry-driven solutions.
These resolutions will inform engagement activities that the national trade development and promotion organisation will use to facilitate improving Zimbabwe’s export capacity and the ease of doing export business.