Online Reporter
Zimpapers Business Hub
NATIONAL trade promotion and development organisation, ZimTrade, is facilitating the participation of 13 local companies at the Windhoek Agricultural and Livestock Show (WALS), which is taking place from September 30 to October 4, 2025.
The companies represent a range of sectors, including leather and footwear, agri-processing, horticultural inputs, poultry, beverages, and lifestyle.
The agro-focused trade fair is one of Namibia’s largest exhibitions. Held annually, it attracts over 100 000 visitors, including buyers, government representatives, farmers, and consumers from across the region.
In its latest newsletter, ZimTrade described WALS as a vital platform for countries seeking access to the Namibian market and the broader Southern African region, thanks to its unique blend of trade exhibition, cultural showcase, and livestock displays.
“Zimbabwe’s participation last year marked its fourth co-ordinated presence at WALS in recent years. The pavilion attracted considerable foot traffic and generated strong interest in the quality of Zimbabwean products.
“Exhibitors secured promising leads, held direct engagements with Namibian retailers, and established distribution contacts. The show also provided invaluable market intelligence that informed this year’s strategy, highlighting sectors where Namibia’s import demand is high and where Zimbabwe can supply competitively,” the organisation said.
It added that this foundation had paved the way for a stronger and more targeted presence in 2025.
What makes WALS unique, ZimTrade noted, is not only the scale of its audience but also its regional reach. The trade show draws buyers and businesses from Namibia and neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa.
“This provides Zimbabwean exhibitors with a platform to access not just one market but several. With ZimTrade coordinating business-to-business meetings and facilitating introductions to key distributors, the expectation is that this year’s participation will go beyond raising awareness to securing tangible deals and building long-term trade partnerships.
“Compared to last year, which featured fewer exhibitors and had a more exploratory focus, this year’s group is more diverse and sector-specific. Leather producers from Bulawayo and Harare are expected to build on last year’s visibility by negotiating concrete supply agreements in a market where imports of leather goods continue to grow,” ZimTrade said.
Trade Map statistics show that Namibia imported goods worth US$8,8 billion from Zimbabwe in 2024, with processed foods, beverages, and agricultural equipment among the top categories.
ZimTrade noted that while Zimbabwe’s exports to Namibia in 2024 remained modest in value terms, the alignment between Namibia’s import profile and Zimbabwe’s current export offerings presents clear potential.
Meanwhile, seven Zimbabwean producers are also showcasing the country’s finest fresh produce — including blueberries, avocados, chillies, and peas — at Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
The major event for the fruit and vegetable sector is running from September 30 to October 2, with Madrid becoming the global hub for operators, retailers, and professionals seeking to grow, network, and transform their business strategies.
Fruit Attraction is where international supply meets demand at a crucial time for campaign planning and market expansion.
