Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Senior Government officials, diplomats and business leaders from Zimbabwe and India converged at a hybrid interactive seminar in Harare on Thursday to deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The event, organised by the Embassy of India in partnership with ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), and leading business organisations, highlighted India’s growing stature as a trading partner and Zimbabwe’s commitment to industrialisation, facilitating investment, and export diversification.
The seminar reinforced the Government’s priorities while highlighting practical opportunities for collaboration.
Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bramha Kumar said India has a trillion‑dollar trade profile and growing investment footprint in Zimbabwe.
He said Indian investors have injected over US$600 million into manufacturing, creating more than 15 000 jobs.
“So far, our rough estimate is that Indian investors have invested more than US$600 million dollars in various manufacturing activities that directly or indirectly employ more than 15 000 people locally.
“Similarly, bilateral trade is on the rise and for the first time it has crossed its usual range to touch US$250 million, wherein Zimbabwe’s exports have reached US$46 million,” said Ambassador Kumar.
He said India’s exports grew by 6,18 percent this year, with GDP expected to rise by 7,8 percent in the first quarter of next year.
He said Zimbabwean businesses should integrate into India’s supply chains.
“India’s cumulative exports (merchandise and services) during April-August 2025 stood at US$349,35 billion, up 6,18 percent from US$329,03 billion in the same period of 2024. With rising economy, Indian market seeks to integrate further with global supply chain,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi said the seminar aligned with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2, emphasising industrial growth, value addition, and re‑engagement.
“Zimbabwe is guided by the national vision set by His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa, Vision 2030 of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by the year 2030,” he said.
He stressed the need for people‑to‑people ties, with 10 000 persons of Indian origin in Zimbabwe and 5 000 Zimbabwean students studying in India.
“Today, Zimbabwe is home to around 10 000 persons of Indian origin, a very successful, peaceful, and law-abiding community,” he said.
“With around 5 000 Zimbabwean students currently enrolled in Indian universities, this vibrant academic exchange underscores deep-rooted partnership and shared commitment to knowledge and progress,” he said.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru, who was represented by export development manager Mr Tatenda Marume, said while there is an imbalance in trade between the two countries, opportunities existed in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, machinery, plastics, and textiles.
He called for diversification beyond tobacco.
“Zimbabwe’s exports to India reached US$46,9 million in 2024, up significantly from US$10,4 million in 2022,” he said.
“India’s exports to Zimbabwe stood at US$189,6 million in 2023, dominated by pharmaceuticals, cereals, machinery, plastics, and vehicles,” said Mr Majuru.
ZIDA chief executive officer Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo’s speech was read by the agency’s investment promotion officer Mr Silibaziso Chizwina.
Mr Chinamo said there is a new aftercare unit within the agency designed to support investors post‑entry.
“Our role is to advocate for policies that push positive investments into the country and close the gap for investors,” he said.
“Once you are established in the country, our role is to check on investors if there are gaps,” said Mr Chinamo.
