Online Reporter
Business Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN companies will have the perfect platform to boost exports and widen their footprint in Zambia this week when 26 businesses showcase their products at the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka.
The fair, which runs in Lusaka from July 29 to August 3, will bring together businesses, farmers, buyers, investors and decision-makers from across the region, providing a platform for companies to exhibit their products, assess market demand and pursue commercial leads.
The participation complements Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy thrust, which seeks to convert strong political and diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries into increased trade, investment and private-sector cooperation.
This also tallies with Zimbabwe’s export strategy, which focuses on value addition, beneficiation, and market expansion, targeting US$14 billion in export earnings by 2030.
A total of 26 Zimbabwean companies are expected to participate under a coordinated national pavilion facilitated by ZimTrade, the country’s trade development and promotion organisation.
Participating companies are drawn from processed foods, agricultural inputs and equipment, fast-moving consumer goods, building materials, light manufacturing and services, allowing buyers to assess a broad range of Zimbabwean products under one roof.
For the participating companies, the show provides an opportunity to move beyond product visibility and engage directly with potential importers, agents and retailers in Zambia.
Previous participation at the fair has generated growing interest in Zimbabwean products, with discussions increasingly focusing on pricing, volumes, product standards, packaging, logistics and distribution arrangements.
The show has also produced distribution arrangements, agency partnerships and supply contracts, while some companies have used the platform to establish a permanent presence in the Zambian market.
This year’s exhibitors seek to build on that record, amid expectations of stronger buyer engagement.
This year’s exhibition offers local companies an extended platform to pursue growth in regional markets, with Zambia offering significant opportunities due to its proximity, established transport links and similarities in consumer tastes and production systems.
Beyond immediate sales, the participating firms will also gather market intelligence on competing products, buyer preferences and regulatory requirements, information considered critical for sustained export growth in Zambia.
Mealie Brand, a seasoned exhibitor at the Zambia show, said consistent participation had enabled the company to improve its understanding of the market and strengthen relationships with prospective customers.
“The show gives us an opportunity to maintain our visibility in Zambia, reconnect with contacts established during previous editions and engage new buyers,” Mealie Brand sales and marketing manager, Ms Eunice Chivunga said.
“We expect the discussions this year to take us closer to firm orders and sustainable distribution arrangements.”
First-time exhibitor Davipel will use the platform to introduce its products to Zambian buyers and assess possible routes into the market.
“This is an important opportunity for us to engage directly with distributors, retailers and consumers,” Ms Lilian Matsika, Davipel commercial executive, said.
“We want to understand the market, receive feedback on our products and establish partnerships that can support our expansion into Zambia and other regional markets.”
The Zimbabwe pavilion will also include women and youth-led enterprises that have participated in the ZimTrade-run Next She Exporter and Eagles Nest Export Incubation programmes.
First-time exhibitor outside Zimbabwe, Grounded said they are expected to use the show to test its export readiness, gain practical experience in cross-border marketing and start building a regional customer base.
“Exhibiting in Zambia marks an important stage in the growth of our business,”
Grounded Director, Zuva Mawema-Chipunza said. “The programme by ZimTrade has prepared us well enough in areas such as costing, packaging and market development, and we now have an opportunity to apply that knowledge in a regional market.”
