Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is targeting export orders, increased industrial capacity utilisation and foreign currency earnings through engagements with international buyers who have arrived in Bulawayo for the Zimbabwe Export Week Buyers Seminar, as the country intensifies efforts to expand its export markets and accelerate industrialisation.
The seminar, which brings together local exporters and 15 leading international buyers, is expected to facilitate commercial partnerships that will translate international demand into increased production, employment creation and sustainable foreign currency inflows.
The buyers, drawn from the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Poland, Mozambique, Zambia, Rwanda, Angola and Eswatini, started arriving in Bulawayo on Saturday ahead of the business engagements.
Zimtrade chief executive Mr Allan Majuru said the engagements were expected to generate export orders, distribution agreements and long-term business partnerships between Zimbabwean exporters and international buyers.
“Our broader objective is to translate international demand into increased local production, industrial capacity utilisation, employment creation and foreign currency earnings,” he said.
“The engagements will also help diversify export markets, strengthen regional and global value chains, and provide insights into international product requirements.
“Ultimately, we want to secure sustainable markets that support Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and economic growth.”
The initiative comes as Zimbabwe seeks to broaden its export base, increase the contribution of manufactured goods to exports and strengthen the role of local businesses in regional and global value chains.
The buyers’ seminar provides a platform for local producers to showcase their products, establish commercial relationships and explore opportunities to penetrate new markets.
Mr Majuru said the selection of participating countries was guided by international demand for Zimbabwean products, existing trade relationships, buyer interest and opportunities identified through market intelligence.
“Regional markets offer opportunities to consolidate existing trade and leverage arrangements under SADC, COMESA and AfCFTA,” he said.
“European and Asian markets provide opportunities to diversify export destinations and expand trade in higher-value products.
“Our focus is on markets where Zimbabwean companies can competitively supply products and establish sustainable commercial relationships.”
The engagements are expected to support export diversification by helping local businesses access markets beyond their traditional destinations, while taking advantage of regional trade arrangements and emerging demand for value-added products.
Mr Majuru said the targeted sectors included horticulture, processed foods, fast-moving consumer goods, leather and textiles, building materials, engineering products and other manufactured goods.
“These sectors offer opportunities for value addition, industrial development and stronger domestic supply chains.
“This aligns with the National Export Strategy and National Development Strategy 2, which prioritise export diversification, value addition, industrialisation and increased foreign currency earnings.
“The target is to grow exports of finished products while creating more opportunities for local producers and suppliers.”
The focus on finished products is expected to support Zimbabwe’s efforts to move up the value chain by expanding the production and export of processed and manufactured goods.
Increased demand from international buyers could also create opportunities for local suppliers, farmers and manufacturers to expand production, improve product quality and meet international market requirements.
Mr Majuru said Zimtrade was prioritising targeted business-to-business engagements, with buyers being matched with several capable Zimbabwean exporters according to their specific sourcing requirements.
“Our priority is to facilitate targeted business-to-business engagements, matching each buyer with several capable Zimbabwean exporters based on specific sourcing requirements,” he said.
“Rather than pursuing a fixed ratio, we are focusing on quality engagements that generate export orders, sustainable supply agreements and measurable business outcomes.”
The emphasis on measurable outcomes places the seminar within broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness and ensure that international trade engagements translate into sustained commercial activity.
The engagements offer opportunities to understand buyer requirements, establish distribution channels and build relationships that could support long-term access to international markets.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to industrial capacity utilisation by creating demand for locally manufactured products, while supporting employment creation and economic growth.
Zimbabwe Export Week comes as the country continues to pursue export-led growth, with value addition, market diversification and increased production among key priorities under NDS2.
