RECENT trade data reflects significant structural improvements towards an export-driven economy, highlighting the success of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda, national trade development and promotion body, ZimTrade, has said.
Zimbabwe’s accelerated push towards an export-driven economy is aligned with Vision 2030, by which the country should have attained upper-middle-income status.
Official data from Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), cumulative export earnings for January-November 2025 totalled US$8,57 billion, a 27 percent increase from US$6,74 billion in the corresponding period in 2024.
This upward momentum has played a pivotal role in narrowing the national trade deficit, which decreased by 69 percent, falling from US$2,1 billion in 2024 to US$644 million in 2025.
This signals a positive move toward a more balanced, export-led economy.
Zimbabwe has an ambitious target to increase its national exports of goods and services by at least 10 percent annually, aiming to grow from US$4,5 billion in 2018 to US$7 billion by 2023, with a further goal of US$14 billion by 2030
Notably, ZimTrade said in 2025, export performance in October and November set new monthly records, reaching US$1 billion each.
“These results not only surpassed expectations, but also positioned the country among the leading export performers in the SADC region,” said ZimTrade in a recent update.
“Based on current trends, merchandise exports are expected to reach around US$9,12 billion by the end of the year, surpassing the national target of US$8,1 billion. This indicates that total exports will account for roughly 19 percent of Zimbabwe’s GDP in 2025.
“The performance reflects the growing strength of Zimbabwe’s productive sectors, the firming global demand for the country’s goods, and the deliberate shift towards value addition that the Second Republic continues to promote.”
ZimTrade said that it played a key role in implementing initiatives to boost capacity and competitiveness.
The organisation said the targeted market efforts were increasing sector participation in international trade.
“Notably, 2025 has seen significant growth in value-added exports, which increased by 29 percent from US$404 million between January and November 2024 to US$522 million during the same period in 2025,” said ZimTrade.
“The shift from raw commodities to products with higher levels of processing has become an essential part of Zimbabwe’s growth narrative, supporting better earnings, job creation, and long-term competitiveness.
“Additionally, this shift fosters product diversification, which is essential in a sustainable export-led economy, as it drives innovation and mitigates against global shocks, including price volatility.”
The trade development agency said services exports also grew significantly, totalling US$485,6 million, up 12 percent from US$434,1 million in 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s focus on economic diplomacy and enhanced bilateral relations, coupled with ZimTrade activities, has created new avenues for Zimbabwean exports.
ZimTrade said the UAE remains the top export destination with local exports increasing by 71,6 percent from US$2,46 billion in 2024 to US$4,16 billion in 2025, with exports to this market mainly anchored by gold, which has also seen a sharp increase in value.
South Africa remains a primary trading partner, accounting for 22,8 percent of total exports.
China is Zimbabwe’s third-largest export partner, representing 16,9 percent of total exports.
“There is significant potential for growth through ongoing collaboration between both Governments to enhance trade in key local commodities such as citrus and avocados,” said the trade development body.
“Within the SADC region, Mozambique and Zambia recorded growth rates of 13 percent and 1,8 percent, respectively, affirming the success of trade activities in these markets.
‘ZimTrade, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, actively pursued new markets in 2025 that have successfully carried local products and shown upward export trends, including Uganda, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, the DRC, Spain, Ethiopia, and the UK.”
Actively pursuing new markets diversifies the export basket and mitigates risks from global crises and political instability, fostering a resilient, export-led economy.
ZimTrade said the building and construction materials sector continued to grow, consistently achieving some of the highest export rates across all categories.
Zimbabwe’s 2025 export performance showed significant growth, with total foreign currency earnings jumping to US$16,2 billion, driven by strong mineral exports (gold, platinum, PGMs) and agriculture, despite monthly fluctuations, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.-herald
