Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE will hold key business forums with two African nations later this month, as the country doubles down on efforts to grow the volume and value of trade on the continent.
South Africa remains Zimbabwe’s largest overall trading partner (combined imports and exports) as of early 2026, primarily due to high import volumes.
However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become Zimbabwe’s top destination for exports, particularly for gold and minerals, surpassing South Africa in export value.
The southern African nation has scheduled a business indaba with Uganda on March 17 and with Egypt on March 25 in Harare.
National trade promotion and development body, ZimTrade, organised the Zimbabwe-Uganda Business Forum, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, working in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Zimbabwe.
The Indaba will include buyers from Uganda actively seeking trade business with the local exporters.
Trade between Zimbabwe and Uganda is relatively small but growing, focused on manufactured goods, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals.
In its latest newsletter, ZimTrade said strategic partnerships with Ugandan firms could ease entry into that market, facilitate regulatory compliance and provide on-the-ground market intelligence.
“Such collaborations could enable Zimbabwean businesses to respond more effectively to regional demand while strengthening bilateral trade ties. The forthcoming Zimbabwe–Uganda Business Forum on March 17 is expected to bring together key institutions from both countries,” ZimTrade said.
Key participants will include the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Private Sector Foundation, Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority, Uganda Airlines and the Uganda Tourism Board.”
ZimTrade said the Zimbabwean delegates will include the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
