Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
The national trade development and promotion body, ZimTrade, is launching a deliberate strategic thrust to expand Zimbabwe’s footprint in the regional services trade market, with a maiden exploratory mission to Zambia scheduled for July.
The move marks a significant shift in the national export promotion strategy, with the focus now trained on tapping into high-value, underexploited service sectors, beginning with construction and building services.
The initiative forms part of a broader campaign to scale Zimbabwe’s export earnings to US$14 billion by 2030. Many Zimbabwean businesses are spreading their wings in Zambia, a testament to the cordial relations, with trade volumes reaching nearly US$390 million in 2024.
“The strategic decision to begin with the construction and building sector considers Zimbabwe’s well-established expertise and regional reputation in civil engineering, technical consultancy, and related services,” said ZimTrade in its May newsletter.
The trade body noted that the Zambia mission is expected to create opportunities for Zimbabwean firms to capitalise on the region’s infrastructure development wave, which has led to an increasing demand for services ranging from architecture and civil engineering to project management and interior design.
“This Zambia exploratory mission is the first in a series of initiatives under this new strategy,” said ZimTrade.
“With Zambia experiencing rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion—including housing, road networks, and commercial developments—the country presents strong demand for construction-related services.”
Trade in services is expected to contribute a growing share to this target as global commerce increasingly tilts towards service-oriented transactions.
Latest figures show that services now account for more than 25 percent of global trade, with global trade in services reaching US$13 trillion in 2023, compared to US$47 trillion in goods.
“Trade in services, including engineering, architecture, project management, and quantity surveying, represents an underexploited area in Zimbabwe’s export sector,” ZimTrade said.
Already, local firms have demonstrated world-class competencies, successfully delivering complex projects at home and across borders. These include commercial buildings, transport infrastructure, and public utility installations, positioning the country well to expand into the regional market.
“The mission to Zambia will include meetings with key stakeholders such as public entities, construction firms, regulatory authorities, and potential business partners,” ZimTrade added.
The export promotion body believes that prioritising trade in services will not only broaden the country’s export base but also contribute meaningfully to national development goals.
“This strategic pivot is aligned with the ongoing target of growing exports to US$14 billion by 2030, with services accounting for a growing share. The push also supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations by promoting youth employment and entrepreneurship through service-oriented export ventures.”
The Zambia mission, thus, is not just a business initiative—it is a launchpad for a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s trade expansion story, one rooted in high-skill, value-added services with long-term economic benefits.
Commenting on the initiative, economist Ms Alice Chokonzi applauded ZimTrade’s proactive approach in exploring regional markets and diversifying export offerings.
She said ZimTrade trade missions are critical for market intelligence, building partnerships, and showcasing Zimbabwean capabilities beyond traditional goods exports.
“Broader market access through such missions can significantly enhance our export resilience, especially in high-value sectors like services,” she said.
Ms Chokonzi added that Zimbabwe’s success in regional service exports would not only drive foreign currency earnings but also help upskill the local workforce and create jobs.
“This is a step in the right direction. If well-supported, service exports have the potential to rival traditional sectors in export revenue, while also stimulating inclusive growth and innovation across the economy,” she said.
She noted that with consistent visibility, Zimbabwean firms could position themselves as go-to partners in infrastructure development across the region.
“Establishing a visible and trusted brand presence in Zambia gives Zimbabwean service providers a competitive edge. Visibility builds credibility, attracts referrals, and creates long-term business opportunities in both public and private sector projects,” she said
