Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE country’s trade and export vehicle, ZimTrade is set to lead an Export Mission to Windhoek, targeting Zimbabwean businesses in the services and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.
From October 07 to 09, the three-day programme will feature a high-level Business Forum and structured business matchmaking, designed to help local businesses establish a strong foothold in the market.
In their latest newsletter, ZimTrade said the Business Forum is expected to draw a diverse range of participants from both the public and private sectors, bringing together Namibian businesses, senior government officials, policymakers and industry leaders.
“Together, they will discuss trade opportunities, explore areas of collaboration and identify practical measures to strengthen bilateral trade. Participants will also gain valuable insights into market trends, regulatory frameworks and emerging business opportunities in Namibia,” said ZimTrade.
“The initiative aims to unlock new commercial opportunities and deepen economic engagement between the two countries by connecting Zimbabwean companies with potential buyers, distributors, investors and strategic partners. Zimbabwe and Namibia are no strangers in trade terms.”
The country’s trade and export vehicle said the two countries’ relationship is underpinned by a shared liberation history and decades of cooperation, which has translated into favourable trade opportunities for local businesses.
ZimTrade said these include a Bilateral Trade Agreement that grants qualifying products preferential market access and beyond this agreement, both countries are members of SADC, giving local businesses more trade advantages than they would find in other new markets.
“If logistics are your concern, consider Zimbabwe’s Dry Port at Walvis Bay, one of Namibia’s more underrated assets. It offers Zimbabwean exporters a direct line into one of Southern Africa’s most efficient Atlantic ports, with shorter transit times, lower transport costs and a genuine gateway to markets well beyond Namibia,” read part of the newsletter.
“For a business weighing whether the logistics of exporting are worth the effort, this is the kind of infrastructure that changes everything. Previous market surveys held by ZimTrade have revealed that Namibia’s demand is not limited to a narrow product list.”
The country’s trade and export vehicle said sectors identified with strong export potential that align with current Namibian demand include, FMCG, mining supplies, and agricultural inputs and implements.
ZimTrade said Zimbabwe’s export basket to Namibia is already diversifying encouragingly, with cordials, tobacco, sugar, ploughs, iron and steel bars and handicrafts joining the mix.
“Perhaps the most exciting opportunity lies in services. Mining, educational and agricultural services are all being actively pursued in the market. These are sectors where Zimbabwe holds competitive advantages, and regional expansion in services can be a faster, lower-overhead route to growth than shipping physical goods.”
The country’s trade and export vehicle said if a business falls into one of these categories, the mission’s Business Forum and structured B2B meetings are designed specifically to connect them with the right partners.
ZimTrade said the programme was built for outcomes, not just networking.
“It opens with a high-level Business Forum that brings together Namibian businesses, government officials and industry leaders allowing local businessees to understand market trends, regulatory frameworks and where the real opportunities lie.
“From there, delegates move into structured B2B meetings and exhibitions, where relationships turn into contracts. This mission also arrives at a convenient time when African countries are pushing hard to grow intra-African trade and make regional integration a reality rather than an aspiration,” added ZimTrade.
“For local businesses, this means that they are entering a favourable market where both governments are actively investing in good relations and conducive trade environments.”
