Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s trade development and promotion body, ZimTrade, intends to establish an in-market warehouse in Kasumbalesa, Zambia, a strategic location bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, to promote export growth and diversification of the export products basket.
This move is a strategic effort to tap into the vast market opportunities in Zambia and the DRC. According to Similo Nkala, ZimTrade’s operations director, the in-market warehouse will serve as a central point for Zimbabwean exports to both countries.
An in-market warehouse is a logistics facility strategically located within or very close to a specific, high-demand consumer market.
Its primary purpose is to move inventory closer to the end customer to enable faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective order fulfilment and delivery.
The in-market warehouse is expected to improve Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness and ZimTrade has already engaged several companies in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, which have shown interest in the initiative.
DRC and Zambia are significant markets for Zimbabwean Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) products, and this move is expected to enhance entry into these markets.
Additionally, the high demand for building and construction materials in the DRC and Zambia presents opportunities for Zimbabwean suppliers.
The two countries’ focus on food self-sufficiency also creates scope for Zimbabwe to supply agricultural seeds, inputs, and implements.
While the project is still in progress, ZimTrade is optimistic that the in-market warehouse will be operational by the end of next year.
This development is expected to open up new avenues for Zimbabwean businesses to expand their exports and strengthen trade ties with Zambia and the DRC.
The establishment of the in-market warehouse is a strategic move to capitalise on the growing demand for various products in Zambia and the DRC.
Zimbabwean businesses can take advantage of this opportunity to increase their exports and diversify their product basket, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth.
“We are working on coming up with an in-market warehouse in Kasumbalesa, which is the border between Zambia and DRC, where we found that there are quite a lot of opportunities that are available. We want to have a central point which will support our exports in both Zambia and the DRC market. It is still a work in progress and we are hopeful that by the end of next year, we will have something running.
“Right now we have purchased land and we are now looking forward to the construction of the in-market warehouse,” said Mr Nkala in an interview on the sidelines of the Buyer’s Seminar.
He added, “There is a lot of construction that is happening in Zambia and DRC, so we believe that there is a lot of opportunity for the e-market warehouse for supplying building and construction material.
“You know most countries want food security, so they are having quite a lot of programmes directed at the agriculture sector, so our local companies that supply agriculture inputs like chemicals, seeds and implements have a big opportunity .”
The 2025 Buyer’s Seminar, one of the flagship events of the Zimbabwe Export Week, provided a platform for Zimbabwean exporters to connect with international buyers for business-to-business matchmaking, as they learnt about market demands and sourcing trends.
These are part of ZimTrade’s efforts to deepen commercial linkages between local producers and buyers from around the world.
Buyers from Zambia, South Africa, the DRC, Angola, Ethiopia, Senegal, Rwanda, Mozambique, and France represented a diverse range of sectors, including FMCG, Fresh Produce, Building and Construction, Mining Supplies, Engineering Services, Clothing, Protective Footwear, Leather and Leather Products, among other key sectors.
“The Buyers’ Seminar is more than just a meeting point; it is a catalyst for business deals, innovation, and partnerships that will chart a new course for Zimbabwe’s export journey.
“The Buyers’ Seminar is designed to be a platform where opportunities and partnerships are forged,” said Mr Nkala.
Buyers from Zambia expressed a desire to partner with Zimbabwean companies on a number of frontiers, mainly the supply of construction materials and agricultural materials.
“Zimbabwe is producing some superior goods for the construction and agriculture industry and as Zambia, we seek to have partnerships for the supply of such goods and services,” said Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) president Mr Anthony Kabaghe at the seminar.
South African companies, primarily represented by players from the clothing and leather sectors, expressed interest in partnering with Zimbabwe to supply raw materials.
“We would want to partner with players that can supply us with raw materials like cow, goat, and sheep skins. It will be great if we find companies that can supply eco-friendly adhesives,” said Ms Jabulile Dlamini from Amazizi leatherworks, South Africa.
Mr Federic Dalmasie from Exito Sabrosso, France, indicated that his country was in demand of many goods that are produced locally, mainly fresh produce.
“We have quite a wider reach as a company, but we would want the supply of fresh produce like blueberries, passion fruit and citrus products.
“We would be grateful if we find such partners during the seminar and the export week, “said Mr Dalmasie.
ZimTrade is projecting a 10 percent year-on-year growth in exports as it seeks to attain a US$14 billion annual target by 2030.
