Online Reporter
Business Reporter
National trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, will host the Zimbabwe Export Week 2025 in Bulawayo from October 13 to 17, 2025.
The event, now in its second year, is expected to provide a platform for meaningful engagement between Zimbabwean exporters, international buyers and policymakers.
It will run under the theme “Rooted Locally, Growing Globally”, which speaks to the growing imperative for Zimbabwean businesses to fully exploit local resources and capabilities while developing competitiveness in international markets.
ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, said the programme was expected to bridge the gap between local businesses and export markets by enhancing the understanding of international market trends and fostering connections.
“The event is designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the global market dynamics, connect Zimbabwean companies with buyers, and align national export strategies with opportunities for growth and value addition.
“Unlike its previous format as a one-day gathering, the Zimbabwe Export Week has evolved into a multi-day programme that allows for more robust interaction and strategic planning,” he said.
Mr Majuru also highlighted the importance of the extended format, explaining that the decision to expand the programme followed the positive feedback and tangible results recorded in 2024.
“The extended format allows for greater participation, more tailored interactions, and increased opportunities to align the national export development agenda.
“Over the past few years, the Zimbabwe Exporters Conference has played an instrumental role in shaping ZimTrade’s programme of activities.
“The ideas and feedback generated during the conference have helped define priorities and identify areas for support, capacity building and market diversification.
“The engagements planned for the week are expected to result in partnerships, business deals and the identification of new markets for Zimbabwean products.”
This year’s programme will begin with sector-focused activities that include company visits and interactive sessions between exporters and buyers.
These visits are expected to expose visiting international buyers to the scale and scope of Zimbabwe’s production capabilities, allowing for discussions grounded in real opportunities.
The Buyers Seminar will take place on October 15 and will provide a structured opportunity for Zimbabwean companies to pitch their products and services to selected buyers from Africa, Europe and Asia.
More than 15 buyers have been invited, including those from the region and beyond, to strengthen bilateral business relationships and explore long-term trade partnerships with local suppliers.
On October 16, the Zimbabwe Exporters Conference will be officially opened by President Mnangagwa, who will engage directly with members of the export community.
The conference will provide an opportunity for high-level dialogue on the current state of Zimbabwe’s export sector and how Government and private sector actors can collaborate to unlock further growth.
Exporters will share experiences and challenges while also contributing to the development of policy recommendations that promote resilience and innovation in the sector.
The Export Week will end with the Exporter of the Year Awards on the evening of October 16.
This event will celebrate Zimbabwean companies that have demonstrated excellence in exporting, and will honour businesses that have adopted best practices in growing their export businesses.
The event will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition centre in Bulawayo, where all major activities, including the conference and awards ceremony, will be hosted.
