ZimTrade pledges support to youth-led businesses

ZIMTRADE has committed to support and integrate youth-led businesses in mainstream export business in line with its mandate of energising Zimbabwe’s export growth.

Energised by Nyanga Craft Ciders’s offer to join the export promotion drive, the country’s export promotion agency said it will identify more youth-led enterprises in Rusape and integrate them into mainstream export business.

Nyanga Craft Ciders is a youth-owned small business which produces top-quality craft ciders.

Initially, the company was formed to add value to the Nyanga apples by making beverages from the apples, later on incorporating other fruits to satisfy a diversity of Zimbabweans palates hence the introduction of fruity ciders.

The aim, according to ZimTrade, is to produce a local cider, made by local ingredients and offer it to the world to taste the deliciousness of Nyanga fruits in a bottle.

“To date, buyers who have tasted their products are confident of huge success in international markets, where demand for healthier beverages has been on an increase in recent years,” ZimTrade said in its latest report.

“Due to Zimbabwe’s non-genetically modified organism policy, Nyanga Craft Ciders produce their products using locally grown fruits, which in most cases are organic.”

The company has been receiving support from ZimTrade, through the Eagles’ Nest Youth Export Incubation programme, designed to inculcate an export culture among youth-led enterprises.

Under the programme, Nyanga Craft Ciders, together with other participants, received practical solutions to help them navigate some of the difficult business terrain.

The Eagles’ Nest programme focused on areas such as product quality and controls, branding and packaging, marketing and negotiation skills and business financial and administration literacy.

Global trade is an important aspect of modern commerce, and understanding the procedures and regulations that govern it is essential for any organisation looking to succeed in this field.

In today’s globalised world economy, businesses are looking for innovative ways to expand their market reach and increase their profitability.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through international trade.

However, navigating the complexities of the export trade cycle can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the process.

In a bid to assist exporters navigate these complexities, ZimTrade recently teamed up with TAZEPA to host an export practice and procedures workshop for new exporters and freight forwarding organisations.

Participants learnt how to establish export sales contracts, navigate customs processes and comply with rules of origin and other regulatory requirements.

The workshop placed special emphasis on the Incoterms 2020, a set of international commercial terms that can help businesses streamline their trade operations and avoid costly mistakes.

Participants were also advised on the need to eliminate export non-compliance and mitigate hidden costs, as well as understanding of the regulations and procedures that govern global trade.-newsday