Online Reporter
Business Reporter
The national trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, says preparations are already at an advanced stage for this year’s Zimbabwe Export Week, set for October 15-16, 2025 in Bulawayo.
The country’s flagship programme for exporters will begin with a Buyers Seminar on October 16, followed by the Exporters Conference and ZimTrade Exporter of the Year Awards on October 16.
The programme is designed to connect local exporters with international buyers, while also recognising outstanding performance in the export sector and promoting sustainable growth in global markets.
This year’s programme comes at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to grow its export base by strengthening linkages between local companies and global markets.
The Buyers Seminar, set to set the stage for the Zimbabwe Export Week, will bring together 14 buyers from across Africa and beyond, including representatives from France, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Egypt.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for business-to-business engagements, allowing exporters to present their products directly to potential buyers.
ZimTrade board chairperson, Dr Kupukile Mlambo, explained the importance of the seminar and the wider programme in driving Zimbabwe’s export growth.
“The Zimbabwe Export Week is a vital space for dialogue and collaboration. It brings together Government, business leaders and buyers to find practical solutions that will open new markets.
“This year, we are particularly excited about the Buyers Seminar, where interactions will help our companies adapt to market demands, enhance product competitiveness, and expand the country’s export footprint,” he said.
Dr Mlambo added that the Buyers Seminar is targeted at securing supply deals and building long-term partnerships that can sustain growth.
“When our exporters sit face-to-face with the leading buyers from the targeted countries, they will gain first-hand insights into what markets are looking for.
“This feedback is crucial for our businesses to innovate and align themselves with international standards,” he said.
The Exporters Conference and 2024 Exporter of the Year Awards, which will take place the following day, will serve as the highlights of the programme.
The Conference, which will be officially opened by President Mnangagwa, is expected to bring together Government, business leaders, exporters, and experts to discuss policy, market opportunities and strategies to drive sustainable export growth.
The awards will recognise companies that have excelled in international trade, with categories reflecting innovation, resilience, and contribution to national development.
According to ZimTrade, the combined programme has been deliberately structured to balance networking opportunities with discussions on key export challenges and solutions.
The Zimbabwe Export Week builds on the decision made last year to rebrand the country’s premier exporters conference into a week-long programme, giving participants more time and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The decision to return to Bulawayo for the second consecutive year aligns with the Government’s devolution agenda, which seeks to decentralise major economic activities and ensure that development is shared across all regions.
Speaking on the significance of this development, Dr Mlambo said it is encouraging that the programme continues to grow yearly.
“We are encouraged that Zimbabwe Export Week continues to grow in stature.
“Having Bulawayo host the event for two years running reflects our commitment to aligning with the Government’s devolution policy. It ensures that opportunities are not concentrated in Harare but shared across regions, giving businesses in different parts of the country equal access to buyers and networks.”
The rebranding of the Annual Exporters Conference into a week-long Export Week was first introduced last year to provide a more dynamic platform.
The inaugural edition featured exhibitions, company visits and side events that allowed delegates to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available in Zimbabwe’s export sector.
This year’s programme builds on that foundation, with the focus firmly placed on engagement with buyers and policy dialogue.
