Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWEAN goats and sheep are attracting interest from prospective buyers in the United Arab Emirates, alongside blueberries and lettuce, as the country intensifies efforts to expand agricultural exports and penetrate new international markets.
The interest emerged during the Global Food Week exhibition held in Abu Dhabi from October 6 to 8, where a Zimbabwean delegation showcased local agricultural products and engaged potential buyers, investors and industry stakeholders.
Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) marketing and public relations manager Ms Tina Nleya said engagements at the exhibition had generated interest in breeding livestock and fresh horticultural produce, opening opportunities for local producers to explore the UAE market.
“Our participation advances the message that Zimbabwe is open for business and invites partners to explore agricultural trade and investment opportunities
“The interest in breeding goats and sheep presents an opportunity for Zimbabwean livestock producers to establish potential export arrangements, with discussions expected to address preferred breeds, animal health requirements and delivery logistics,” she said.
For horticultural producers, she said, the interest in blueberries and lettuce could open opportunities to supply the UAE market, subject to meeting buyers’ specifications on quality, packaging, volumes and cold-chain management.
Ms Nleya said the engagements provided a starting point for identifying prospective buyers and understanding the products and supply arrangements required in the UAE market.
“Turning the interest into actual business will, however, require further engagement between prospective buyers and local producers to establish supply capacity and satisfy applicable market-access requirements,” she said.
The Zimbabwean delegation comprised AMA, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and Silo Food Industries, which collectively presented the country’s agricultural and food products to international stakeholders.
The participation is part of efforts to strengthen agricultural marketing, identify export opportunities and position Zimbabwean producers to benefit from demand in international markets.
Global Food Week, organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, brought together 2 580 exhibitors and brands from 92 countries across approximately 42 000 square metres of exhibition space.
“The event provided a platform for business meetings, exhibitions and knowledge exchange across the food and agricultural value chain, connecting producers with importers, distributors, retailers and investors,” said Ms Nleya.
It also ran alongside the second Global Food Security Summit, which brought together stakeholders to discuss resilient food systems, innovation and international cooperation.
According to the organisers, the 2025 edition attracted more than 40 000 visitors and generated agreements valued at AED6,6 billion, highlighting the exhibition’s potential as a platform for commercial engagement.
AMA’s participation is consistent with its mandate to promote efficient agricultural marketing in domestic and export markets, monitor demand and identify opportunities for agricultural products.
Follow-up engagements, including requests for samples, supplier information, quotations and further meetings, will be critical in converting the interest generated in Abu Dhabi into tangible export opportunities for Zimbabwean farmers and agricultural businesses.
