Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, will lead a delegation of 15 export-ready companies on an Outward Trade Mission to Beira, Mozambique, from July 1 to 3.
Zimbabwe aims to capitalise on Mozambique’s thriving construction sector, which has driven demand for Zimbabwean exports.
In 2023, exports to Mozambique included US$5,5 million worth of steel and US$1,4 million worth of timber.
“As we embark on this pivotal mission to Mozambique, I am confident that our delegation will forge meaningful partnerships and unlock new trade opportunities. This visit underscores the significance of regional cooperation and our commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. By deepening our economic collaboration, we can drive growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods for our people, ultimately advancing Zimbabwe’s vision for a prosperous future,” Minister Mugadza.
According to a Press release by ZimTrade, the national trade promotion body, Mozambique currently accounts for 19 percent of Zimbabwe’s cereal exports, as well as horticultural products such as tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, and pineapples.
“This outward mission offers businesses a platform to engage with Mozambican counterparts, explore trade opportunities, and secure export orders already in demand. The Zimbabwean delegation comprises companies form key sectors, including processed foods, horticulture, buildings and construction materials, agricultural inputs, PPEs, leather products, and services.
“The three-day mission will begin with a Trade and Investment Conference, bringing together business executives, trade support institutions, Mozambican government officials and importers. This mission aligns with a May 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZimTrade, ZIDA and Mozambique’s APIEX which promotes joint participation in trade events and institutional exchanges. The agreement encourages knowledge sharing, business matchmaking, and market expansion-key objectives of the Beira mission,” said ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru.
ZimTrade further stressed that the SADC Protocol will make it easier for Zimbabwean companies to penetrate their products into its eastern neighbour.
“ZimTrade has been actively organising such trade missions, including a 2024 Outward Mission to Tete Province, Mozambique which helped local firms establish distribution partnerships and even set up operations in there. This has strengthened trade ties between the two nations, supported by their geographic proximity.
“Mozambique is Zimbabwe’s fourth-largest export market, with trade data from Trade Map showing a 12 percent increase in exports from US$354 million in 2019 to US$398 million in 2025. Local companies have been benefiting from bilateral trade agreement signed in 2005, allowing duty free trade with 25 percent local value addition. Both countries are also part of the SADC Protocol, which aims to reduce trade barriers,” said Mr Majuru.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique share historical, liberation struggle, and economic ties that date back several decades.
The two countries collaborated closely during the liberation struggle, with Mozambique providing crucial support to Zimbabwe’s fight for independence.
This solidarity has endured, with the nations maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations.
One notable example of their economic ties is the Beira Corridor, a vital transportation route that connects Zimbabwe to the port city of Beira in Mozambique.
The corridor passes through Manicaland, facilitating the transportation of goods, including fuel, and promoting bilateral trade between the two countries.
Following President Mnangagwa’s visit to Mozambique last year, rehabilitation of the Mozambique railway line to Mutare is underway.
The project aims to revitalize the Beira Corridor, enhancing trade facilitation and boosting economic cooperation between two sister republics.
The revamped railway will increase cargo volumes.
