Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera, Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
OFFICIAL agriculture exports from Zimbabwe to Mozambique are set to increase as both countries implement strategies to stimulate local and regional agro-industries growth and development, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has said.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo recently inaugurated the 2025 agricultural marketing campaign in Sussundenga District. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost local agro-industries, increase farmers’ incomes, and promote sustainable economic growth in the two countries.
Zimbabwe was among several regional stakeholders invited to participate, with AMA representing the country’s marketing and regulatory interests in agriculture.
“Our participation at this campaign signals AMA’s growing role in facilitating regional market access for Zimbabwean farmers.
“We see this as a gateway to strengthen bilateral trade in agricultural commodities with our Mozambican counterparts,” said AMA acting chief executive, Mr Jonathan Mukuruba.
Mozambique and Zimbabwe share deep historical, economic and cultural ties. The two countries are connected through regional trade corridors, shared infrastructure and cross-border community interactions.
With both governments designating agriculture as a key pillar of economic development, collaboration between AMA and Mozambique’s agricultural authorities is seen as timely and strategic.
“The relationship between Zimbabwe and Mozambique is one rooted in mutual growth. By exploring formal trade channels, we are opening doors for structured, traceable and mutually beneficial commodity exchanges,” Mr Mukuruba added.
While agricultural trade between the two nations has existed for years, much of it has occurred through informal networks especially in border regions.
The country seeks to expand its collaborative efforts with Mozambique to regularise and formalise trade routes for commodities such as macadamia, sesame and other horticultural produce.
AMA views the Mozambican campaign not only as a regional agricultural event, but as a strategic opportunity to create new, secure markets for Zimbabwean produce.
With Mozambique focused on enhancing food self-sufficiency and agro-processing, there will be rising demand for quality raw commodities, including those produced in Zimbabwe.
“This is an opportunity for our farmers to tap into external markets through AMA-supported linkages. By leveraging structured markets, we can offer stability and better returns to Zimbabwean producers, while supporting Mozambique’s agro-industrial ambitions,” he noted.
Mr Mukuruba said AMA will be engaging directly with Mozambican marketing authorities to explore cross-border collaboration, harmonised standards and potential bilateral agreements that ease commodity movement under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) frameworks.
Following the launch, AMA is preparing to convene follow-up meetings with Zimbabwean exporters and relevant government ministries to identify strategic commodities for export into Mozambique. The authority is also expected to lead market intelligence assessments, trade protocol reviews and farmer cluster capacity-building to position producers for international trade.
According to International Trade Centre (ITC) trade statistics for international business development (TRADEMAP), the country’s exports of agricultural products grew 49 percent from US$68 818 000 in 2022 to US$102 543 000 in 2023.
