Farai Mabeza
Zimbabwe is set to host buyers from Africa, Europe and Asia in November as the country seeks to strengthen connections between local exporters and international markets.
The national trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, will host the 2026 Shop@Zim Buyers’ Forum and the Exporter of the Year Awards from 2 to 6 November, with buyer engagements taking place in Bulawayo and Harare.
The programme is expected to bring Zimbabwean exporters together with international buyers and policymakers, creating opportunities to pitch local products and establish longer-term commercial relationships.
ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru said the programme was designed to equip businesses with better understanding while connecting them directly with potential buyers.
“The event is designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of global market dynamics, connect Zimbabwean companies with buyers, and align national export strategies with opportunities for growth and value addition.”
Buyers from across Africa, Europe and Asia are expected to participate, with ZimTrade seeking to build on the results of previous buyer engagement programmes.
Majuru said this year’s programme would expand beyond Harare to give exporters in different regions greater access to international markets.
“This year we are expanding the physical reach of the buyers to both major cities to allow for more robust interaction and strategic planning for exporters across regions,” he said.
The Shop@Zim Buyers’ Forum will open in Bulawayo on 2 November, giving companies in the southern region an opportunity to present their products and services directly to selected regional and international buyers.
The engagements will move to Harare on 4 November for a second buyers’ forum.
According to Majuru, the targeted format is intended to translate buyer engagement into commercial opportunities.
“This format allows for greater participation and more tailored interactions, resulting in partnerships, business deals, and the identification of new markets for Zimbabwean products.”
The week will conclude with the ZimTrade Exporter of the Year Awards in Harare on 6 November, recognising companies that have demonstrated excellence and adopted best practices in developing international markets.
