The second edition of Zimbabwe Export Week is set for October in Bulawayo, ZimTrade, the trade development and promotion agency, said recently.
This comes amid growing calls for increased intra-African trade and a heightened desire to make the African Continental Free Trade Area a success.
Among key activities lined up for the export week is the Zimbabwe Exporters Conference, which will be officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he engages directly with the business community.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for meaningful engagement between Zimbabwean exporters, international buyers, and policymakers, organizers explained.
“(It) 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,” ZimTrade said.
Chief executive, Allan Majuru, said the programme would enhance local businesses’ understanding of international market trends and develop connections.
“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.
“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.
Highlighting the importance of the new format, Majuru said that the decision to expand the programme followed 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.”
More than 15 buyers from the region and elsewhere have been invited to strengthen bilateral business relationships and explore long-term trade partnerships with local suppliers.
The Export Week will end with the Exporter of the Year Awards and will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition centre, where all major activities, including the conference and awards ceremony, will be hosted.
