Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwean companies exhibiting at the 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show recorded strong buyer interest on the opening day yesterday, with participating firms holding discussions on potential supply and distribution agreements.
A total of 26 companies are exhibiting under the Zimbabwe pavilion at the six-day event running from July 29 – August 3, 2026, which is being held at the Lusaka Showgrounds under the theme, “Fostering Trade and Investment”.
ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organisation, coordinated Zimbabwe’s participation as part of efforts to expand exports into Zambia and other regional markets.
The participating companies are drawn from sectors that include processed foods, agricultural inputs, leather products, clothing, light manufacturing, information communication technology and professional services.
Initial feedback from exhibitors showed that visitor traffic to the pavilion had increased compared with previous editions, while the quality of commercial engagements had also improved.
The development strengthens prospects for Zimbabwean companies to expand their footprint in Zambia, a key export market, and supports efforts to grow exports through market diversification and value-added production.
ZimTrade communications manager, Mr Danai Majaha, said the level of engagement reflected growing interest in Zimbabwean products and services.
“We have seen a noticeable increase in the flow of people to the Zimbabwe pavilion, but the most important improvement is in the quality of the discussions.
“Compared with last year, more visitors are coming with clear business interests, including sourcing products, appointing distributors and exploring long-term supply relationships with Zimbabwean companies,” he said.
Cairns marketing manager, Ms Mutsai Mukungatu, said their participation was helping the company assess demand, strengthen relationships with existing customers and identify new routes to market.
“The show gives us direct access to buyers and distributors looking for reliable suppliers of quality food products.
“The discussions held so far have been encouraging, and our objective is to convert that interest into sustainable commercial partnerships that increase the presence of Zimbabwean products in Zambia,” she said.
Baztech, which operates in the services sector, is using the exhibition to identify opportunities for supplying Zimbabwean expertise to Zambian companies and institutions.
Baztech managing director Ms Caroline Chirima said Zambia presented significant potential for Zimbabwean service providers seeking to expand their regional operations.
“The engagements we have had indicate strong prospects for growing Zimbabwe’s services exports into Zambia.
“There is demand for specialised, reliable and competitively priced services and platforms such as this show allow us to demonstrate our capabilities, understand client requirements and establish partnerships that can lead to long-term contracts,” she said.
King’s Leather, a youth-owned enterprise and alumnus of ZimTrade-run Eagles’ Nest Youth Export Incubation Programme, is showcasing locally manufactured bags, belts, footwear and other leather products.
The company’s participation highlights the contribution of youth-led businesses to Zimbabwe’s export development agenda and the importance of converting local raw materials into competitive finished products.
King’s Leather founder Ronald Huku said the exhibition was opening new opportunities to connect with regional buyers.
“Participating at this show allows us to present Zimbabwean craftsmanship directly to buyers who value quality, durability and contemporary design.
“It also demonstrates that youth-owned enterprises can build export-ready brands, create employment and compete in regional markets when they receive the right market-development support,” he said.
Beyond private-sector engagements, Zimbabwean exhibitors have also held discussions with Zambian Government departments, public institutions and agencies on procurement opportunities.
Mr Majaha said these business-to-Government engagements had widened the opportunities available to participating companies, particularly those able to supply institutions at scale.
The discussions indicate scope for Zimbabwean firms to provide an array of products and services to Zambian ministries, State agencies and public institutions, while also pursuing business-to-business contracts.
