Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
RELATIONS between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom continue to thaw, with renewed momentum in trade, investment and diplomatic engagement, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Peter Vowles has said.
Speaking at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026, Amb Vowles said the evolving partnership between the two countries is now firmly anchored on mutual growth and future-oriented cooperation.
“I am incredibly proud of the evolving partnership between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe — a partnership for growth that delivers for both our people and is firmly focused on the future,” he said. Amb Vowles said the ZITF provided an ideal platform to showcase strengthening economic ties.
“ZITF is the perfect place to celebrate this, as it centres on the very trade and investment that underpin our connections,” he said.
Amb Vowles highlighted the UK-Zimbabwe trade agreement as a key pillar in the renewed relations, noting that it offers Zimbabwean exporters preferential access to British markets.
“It allows Zimbabwe to access British markets quota-free and tariff-free, which is essential for encouraging exports, supporting local businesses, and increasing access to international markets,” he said.
Amb Vowles said practical steps were already being taken to grow trade volumes between the two states.
“Just last month, a group of British buyers toured Zimbabwe to connect with horticultural producers, and in March, we supported a group of Zimbabwean women entrepreneurs in showcasing their products in Manchester,” he said.
“This has already led to the establishment of a ‘SheTrades’ hub here to support women-led businesses.” Mr Vowles also pointed to renewed investor confidence, with development finance institutions re-entering the Zimbabwean market.
“British International Investment has returned to the market, recently reinvesting in NMB Bank to improve access to finance for the horticulture sector.
“Furthermore, institutions such as the Private Infrastructure Development Group and AgDevCo are in the final stages of agreements in the solar and agriculture sectors,” he said.
“As trade creates a basis for confidence, investment naturally follows.”
Beyond trade, Amb Vowles said cooperation between the two countries now extends to research, health and technical sectors, underpinned by mutual respect.
“Whether it is research collaborations between our universities, the work of the British Geological Survey alongside Zimbabwe’s Geological Survey, or health partnerships such as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s work on AI in neonatal care, these connections are respectful and solution-oriented,” he said.
Amb Vowles added that deepening political dialogue has created space for candid engagement between the two nations.
“We have built a relationship where we can now have the difficult conversations, agreeing and disagreeing as partners.
“This is reinforced by regular ministerial visits and our shared work on regional initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.
Meanwhile, ZITF Company board chairman, Dr Busisa Moyo said the growing partnership between Zimbabwe and the UK reflects the broader importance of international collaboration in driving economic development.
Dr Moyo, described the collaboration with the British Embassy as a “balanced and appropriate partnership” that honours the historical roots of the trade fair.
“Our theme this year, ‘Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,’ reflects our realisation that Zimbabwe cannot thrive in isolation. We need friends, partnerships and allies to move forward economically,” he said.
Dr Moyo said the long-standing relationship between Zimbabwe and the UK continues to find renewed expression through platforms such as ZITF. He noted that this year’s exhibition attracted significant participation, signalling growing confidence from both local and international players.
Dr Moyo said ZITF continues to serve as a critical platform for fostering partnerships and linking Zimbabwe to the global economy.
As engagement between Harare and London deepens, the growing convergence in trade, investment and dialogue signals a steady rebuilding of relations, with both sides increasingly positioning themselves as partners in economic transformation.
The event was attended by senior Government officials, including the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi and Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Tafadzwa Muguti, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and private sector leaders.
Bongani Ndlovu