ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion agency, has rescheduled its flagship event, the Exporters Conference and Awards, to February 20, 2026, at the ZITF grounds in Bulawayo.
In a statement, ZimTrade said the event, running under the theme “Rooted Locally, Growing Globally,” would focus on building Zimbabwean export competitiveness by leveraging domestic strengths for international success.
The gathering comes as official data shows that manufactured goods exports have surged, with exports of value-added products increasing by 29% from US$404 million between January and November 2024 to US$522 million during the same period in 2025.
“Our goal is to sustain and accelerate this momentum in value-added exports,” said ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru.
“Strategic alignment between government policy and business execution is critical. This conference is the definitive platform to forge that collaboration and set our national export agenda for the year.”
The conference is designed as a high-level dialogue, featuring President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the guest of honor and Professor Amon Muriwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
“It will provide exporters with a unique opportunity to engage directly with national leadership on policy and practice.
“Attendees will gain forward-looking insights from an acclaimed international speaker lineup, including Dr. Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, Founder & CEO of Ecopia (Ethiopia), Mr. Alex Musembi, Co-founder & General Manager of Africa Collect Textiles (Kenya), and Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director, Africa Leather & Leather Products Institute (Ethiopia),” ZimTrade said.
“Their sessions will provide actionable frameworks for integrating into global value chains, adopting sustainable trade models, and leveraging technologies such as AI to drive export growth.
The day-long conference will culminate in the prestigious Exporters Awards Gala, celebrating top-performing companies.
Award categories are designed to recognize excellence at all levels, from the SME Exporter of the Year to major sector champions.
An award of significant note is the Intra-Africa Trade Award, introduced last year to champion regional commerce.
“The Intra-Africa Trade award promotes and encourages the pioneers who are transforming Zimbabwe’s trade profile by participating in continental trade and championing the country\'s participation and opportunities in the AfCFTA,” Majuru noted.
ZimTrade described the event as an essential investment for the business community, saying it offers unparalleled networking, learning, and recognition opportunities, all aimed at driving profitability and resilience in Zimbabwe’s export sector.
