Online Reporter
Business Reporter
FOLLOWING last year’s highly successful outward trade mission to Beira, Zimbabwe’s trade promotion board, ZimTrade, has organised another mission for local companies eager to tap into opportunities in one of the country’s most strategic regional markets.
The Beira Outward Trade Mission will run from Tuesday to Thursday, July 7–9, 2026.
Last year’s mission, attended by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Zimbabwe’s Consular General in Beira, Mr Malvern Bere, and the Secretary of State for Sofala Province, Her Excellency Cecilia Sandra Jeronimo Francisco Chamutota, among other dignitaries, was hailed as a major success.
Companies from both Zimbabwe and Mozambique expressed satisfaction with the business generated and the high level of engagement.
Zimbabwean firms also toured Mozambican companies, gaining valuable insights into their operations and identifying areas for deeper cooperation.
This year’s mission aims to build on that momentum, strengthening trade ties and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has been on an upward trajectory, with Mozambique now ranking as Zimbabwe’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique has remained strong over the years. Between 2020 and 2024, Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique, largely comprising ores, tobacco, sugar and industrial products, reached a peak of US$508,64 million in 2021.
During the same period, imports from Mozambique increased steadily, reaching US$403,95 million in 2024, reflecting growing economic integration and the strengthening of regional value chains.
Despite Zimbabwe’s established presence in the Mozambican market, opportunities for expansion remain significant, with local companies encouraged to strengthen commercial relationships and increase their market share.
Market intelligence gathered through previous trade missions to Sofala and Tete provinces has identified several sectors with high export potential for Zimbabwean businesses.
Demand for agricultural inputs and implements continues to rise as agriculture remains a cornerstone of Mozambique’s economy.
Speaking during last year’s Trade Mission, Mr Bere said the mission aligns well with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy thrust of economic diplomacy, guided by the national mantra, Zimbabwe is Open for Business, launched by Government under His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2017, as a policy and promotional campaign aimed at signalling a new era of economic reform, investment friendliness, and global re-engagement.
“This Trade Mission represents a pivotal moment in the strengthening of economic ties between Zimbabwe and Mozambique—two nations bound by history, geography, and a shared vision for prosperity. Our presence in Beira underscores a mutual commitment to harnessing the immense potential of our bilateral relationship to drive sustainable economic growth.
“Zimbabwe and Mozambique have long enjoyed strong relations, dating back to the days of liberation struggles. As neighbours, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our complementary strengths. Zimbabwe brings to the table a diverse range of high-quality products and services from agricultural produce, processed foods to manufactured goods and services. Mozambique, with its strategic ports, thriving markets, and dynamic economy, offers unparalleled opportunities for trade and investment,” said Mr Bere.
Summing up last year’s Trade Mission’s success, ZimTrade Eastern Region manager, Mr Admire Jongwe said: “It was a very successful mission, and the response was overwhelming. Companies both from Zimbabwe and Mozambique have been very supportive during the three-day event that we hosted here in Beira.
“Through our historical umbilical cord, people in Beira has an appreciation of Zimbabwean products and the three-day event helped the business community to reconnect and see Zimbabwe as a source destination of choice,” said Mr Jongwe.
He added: “Beira is teeming with Zimbabwean products selling informally in the market, and we need to formalise the trade of those products for the benefit of the two governments. The Mozambicans appreciate the quality of Zimbabwe brands, and most of them are keen to reach out to Zimbabwe companies and establish supply contracts. The comradery relationship between the two nations has helped the Mozambican business to appreciate doing business with Zimbabwean companies.”
