Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE is strengthening its trade engagement with Zambia through participation in the 97th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show (ZACS), which kicked off on Wednesday in Lusaka.
Marking its appearance at Zambia’s largest multi-sectoral trade platform, Zimbabwe is once again using the six-day event to expand its regional commercial presence and deepen its long-standing economic ties with its northern neighbour.
The national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade is leading Zimbabwe’s participation by coordinating the exhibition of 25 export-ready companies.
This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Adapting to Climate Change,” a timely call to action that resonates with the priorities of both countries as they work to build climate-resilient industries.
In an update, ZimTrade said the 25 Zimbabwean businesses are showcasing agricultural supplies, safety gear, services, leather goods, processed foods, fast-moving consumer goods, industrial machinery and mining supplies.
“These businesses represent a range of sectors. It’s thrilling to see our stand full of people with interest in our products. We are looking forward to fruitful engagements,” said the organisation.
“Their presence at ZACS demonstrates Zimbabwe’s intention to showcase its competitive products, explore regional opportunities and contribute to cross-border collaboration in industrial development.
The relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia is among the strongest within the region.”
It said Zambia remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and ranks fourth among partners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
ZimTrade said this trade partnership is supported not only by geographic proximity, but also by shared policy goals, infrastructure and business cultures that continue to foster mutual growth.
“Zimbabwe’s participation in ZACS is part of a broader strategy to use regional platforms to expand its trade footprint. Over the past few years appearing at the fair, Zimbabwe has built a track record of consistency at ZACS,” added the organisation.
“This long-term engagement reflects a deliberate approach to maintaining visibility in key markets and nurturing bilateral trade relationships that can support long-term export growth.”
Speaking ahead of the show, ZimTrade Operations Director, Mr Similo Nkala reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that local businesses access regional markets through structured platforms.
“We want to give Zimbabwean products and services opportunities to market themselves beyond our borders. ZACS 2025 represents one of those opportunities, an opening into a regional marketplace where there is strong demand for our offerings,” he said.
ZACS has earned a reputation as a dynamic space for regional engagement, while the 96th edition in 2024 drew wide participation from both government ministries and private sector players.
Its role in promoting trade and industrial cooperation continues to grow, with exhibitions that span sectors such as renewable energy, agro-processing, ICT, mechanisation, and climate-smart agriculture.
