Online Reporter
Business Reporter
MASHAVA Arts Centre Association sculptors say they are looking forward to breaking into more European and American markets, expanding their exports beyond the Netherlands and South Africa where they are currently exporting.
These sculptors are pinning their hopes on support from national trade promotion body, ZimTrade, which is collaborating with them to provide valuable market intelligence to navigate new markets.
Demand for Zimbabwean artefacts continues to grow globally, with the arts and crafts sector poised to record an increase in exports.
This growing demand presents a huge opportunity for Mashava sculptors to increase their exports into new markets through ZimTrade’s strategic approach.
During a recent tour of Mashava, this reporter observed that the trade promotion body is supporting some of the empowerment projects under this cluster in facilitating growth of exports.
This includes conducting thorough market research to understand trends, consumer preferences and competitor analysis.
The sculptors have also been implored to build a strong digital presence through online platforms and networking with reputable marketing agents to increase visibility and sales.
With the right support and strategies in place, the sculptors can capitalise on the growing demand for Zimbabwean artefacts and take their businesses to the next level.
Mashava Arts Centre Association chairperson Mr Blessing Magura said he was grateful for efforts by the Government and ZimTrade to establish export clusters, saying this will go a long way in unlocking their potential in the export market.
“Increased market penetration is what we are yearning for and we cannot do this alone, that is why we have chosen to collaborate with ZimTrade because they have the market intelligence and access to buyers.
“We are grateful because working with ZimTrade has broadened our vision, in the past we just knew of our local markets particularly the Victoria Falls market but we now know that our sculptures have potential to go anywhere in the world. We now want ZimTrade to help us access the USA, UK and the German market because we know our products will be bought at decent prices,” said Mr Magura.
Through provision of market intelligence, technical support and export development programmes, ZimTrade intends to empower Mashava sculptors and other Zimbabwean artists to penetrate new markets and increase their global footprint.
Sculptor Esau Chengeta who started his business in 1992 said direct access to markets will go a long way in growing their earnings since direct access to markets translates to better revenue.
“We have been dealing with ZimTrade to broaden our exports and we are hopeful that we will enter new markets.
“This will save us from middlemen who come and get our sculptures at paltry prices, they rip us off. We really want to have direct access to the markets,” said Mr Chengeta.
Another sculptor John Chipiri who has been a sculptor for 35 years said middlemen pay them as little as $5 – $10 for pieces that can fetch up to $50.
“We are being taken advantage of by middlemen, that is why our plea is to have more direct buyers because they offer better prices.
“Of course, we have an active buyer from the Netherlands but we would want to have more of such buyers, that is why we want ZimTrade to help us in that regard,” said Chipiri.
ZimTrade communications manager Mr Danai Majaha said his organisation falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and has the mandate to promote Zimbabwe’s exports by creating export opportunities.
“Our mandate is to energise Zimbabwe exports and we link local companies with export markets. We would want to create export opportunities for these sculptors to broaden their exposure to the European and American markets.
“As an agency, we provide local companies with export market information, export development, export promotion and advocacy,” said Mr Majaha.
Zimbabwe’s stone sculptures are highly sought after around the world and many of them have realised international acclaim enabling them to sell their pieces the world over.
