Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
ZIMBABWEAN exporters are set to gain direct access to buyers, investors and policymakers from across the region when the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Multi-Sectoral International Exhibition is held in Harare from October 19–21, 2026.
According to ZimTrade’s recent newsletter, the forum will run on the margins of the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit under the theme: “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
The event is being convened by the COMESA Business Council, ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the COMESA Secretariat and the Government of Zimbabwe.
For local businesses, the key benefit is market scale.
COMESA represents more than 640 million people, with a combined GDP of about US$1 trillion and merchandise trade exceeding US$383 billion.
“The forum will focus on measures to increase intra-COMESA trade and investment, improve access to markets and finance, and strengthen links among businesses, governments and investors,” reads the ZimTrade newsletter.
Although intra-regional trade remains below potential, and many member states still export mostly primary commodities, the forum will place emphasis on strengthening regional value chains and encouraging value addition.
Exporters will benefit from structured business-to-business, business-to-government and investor engagements designed to help companies pursue partnerships and explore transactions.
A dedicated session will also provide information on financing instruments available through regional institutions such as the Trade and Development Bank and Afreximbank.
This means local firms can meet regional financiers and development partners in one place, instead of approaching individual markets separately.
The forum will further produce a Private Sector Communiqué with recommendations from business for presentation to Heads of State.
This gives exporters a direct voice in regional policy discussions affecting trade, investment and industrial development.
Sessions will focus on: seamless trade — reducing non-tariff barriers and strengthening trade corridors; value chains and finance — expanding productive capacity and reducing investment risks; digital and AI — using technology to improve competitiveness; and access to funding — instruments available from regional banks.
Running alongside the forum, the Multi-Sectoral International Exhibition will feature country pavilions, a COMESA institutions pavilion and structured networking platforms.
Priority sectors include manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, the digital economy, financial services and fintech, mining, energy, textiles, leather products, and tourism and hospitality.
For Zimbabwean companies, ZimTrade said the exhibition provides a platform to showcase products and services while engaging potential buyers and partners from other COMESA member states.
ZimTrade said the three-day programme is a practical opportunity for exporters to test products against regional standards, build buyer relationships, and tap into financing that supports intra-COMESA trade — all critical steps to move Zimbabwe from exporting raw commodities to competitive, value-added goods.
