Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
[email protected]
ZIMTRADE will lead a delegation of Zimbabwean companies to Windhoek, Namibia, from September 10 to 12 as part of a renewed drive to expand exports, unlock new markets and deepen commercial ties between the two neighbouring countries.
According to ZimTrade’s July newsletter, the outward seller mission will bring together Zimbabwean exporters with Namibian buyers, distributors and potential business partners, creating opportunities to secure supply contracts and establish long-term commercial relationships.
The three-day programme is expected to target key sectors including mining, construction and engineering, education, agricultural consultancy, manufacturing and industrial supplies.
“Zimbabwe has a strong skills base in these sectors, giving local firms an opportunity to market their expertise and pursue regional contracts,” ZimTrade said.
Manufacturers and suppliers of fast-moving consumer goods, mining equipment, agricultural inputs and farm machinery will also participate, with Namibia identified as a market offering growing demand driven by activity in mining, agriculture, construction and consumer industries.
The mission will begin with a business forum bringing together private sector representatives, policymakers, senior Government officials and industry leaders from Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The forum will discuss market requirements, trade regulations, procurement procedures and opportunities for increased bilateral cooperation.
This will be followed by business-to-business (B2B) meetings where Zimbabwean companies will engage directly with selected Namibian buyers and distributors to negotiate supply agreements, partnerships, distributorships and potential joint ventures.
Participating companies will also showcase their products and services through targeted exhibitions designed to increase market visibility.
ZimTrade said the mission would also provide exporters with first-hand knowledge of Namibia’s product standards, packaging requirements, pricing structures and distribution channels, helping businesses better position themselves for sustained market entry.
Zimbabwe and Namibia enjoy long-standing political and economic relations underpinned by the Zimbabwe-Namibia Bilateral Trade Agreement, which provides preferential market access for qualifying products. Trade is also facilitated through the SADC Protocol on Trade.
A major strategic advantage for Zimbabwean exporters is the country’s dry port at Walvis Bay, which provides an efficient gateway for regional and international trade by reducing transport costs, shortening transit times and improving cargo movement.
Despite these advantages, ZimTrade said significant opportunities remain to increase Zimbabwe’s exports to Namibia.
Zimbabwe’s exports to Namibia peaked at US$26,2 million in 2022 before declining to US$12,8 million in 2025. Export products include electricity, coal, pharmaceuticals, cordials, tobacco, sugar, agricultural implements, iron and steel products as well as handcrafted goods.
During the same period, Zimbabwe imported goods worth US$36,2 million from Namibia, mainly cement clinker, petroleum products, beer and frozen seafood.
“The trade gap points to the need for stronger export promotion and closer engagement between businesses in the two countries,” ZimTrade said.
The trade development organisation added that increasing the participation of Zimbabwean service providers in regional markets would help diversify export earnings while creating new business opportunities.
Mining, education and agricultural consultancy firms are expected to leverage the mission to establish regional partnerships and expand into the Namibian market, while manufacturers and industrial suppliers seek to diversify their customer base and increase regional sales.
The initiative is also aligned with regional integration objectives under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seek to boost intra-African trade, industrialisation and regional value chains.
derick.khumalo