STRENGTHENING economic ties between Zimbabwe and Mozambique is key to unlocking greater trade opportunities, accelerating industrialisation, fostering technological innovation and creating jobs, Mozambique’s Secretary of State for Sofala Province, Mr Manuel Rodrigues Alberto, has said.
Speaking at ZimTrade’s second Outward Trade Mission to Beira earlier this week, Mr Alberto said deepening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries will drive sustainable growth and deliver shared prosperity for their citizens.
He reaffirmed the Mozambican Government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts private investment and supports regional economic integration.
“The Government of Mozambique attaches great importance to economic diplomacy as a catalyst for sustainable development, investment attraction and the expansion of trade relations. It is within this framework that this initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of His Excellency, President Daniel Francisco Chapo, who has consistently championed a results-driven approach to diplomacy — one that delivers tangible economic outcomes through increased investment, private sector growth, job creation and the transformation of national potential into shared prosperity for Mozambicans,” said Mr Alberto.
He added: “The President’s vision is founded on building an economy that is open, competitive and fully integrated into regional and global markets through mutually beneficial partnerships. Central to that vision is the belief that constructive engagement between governments, business leaders and investment promotion agencies is essential for accelerating economic growth and unlocking new opportunities.”
He said the ZimTrade seller mission embodied this shared commitment to regional economic cooperation and private-sector-led development.
“It is this spirit of collaboration that we are witnessing today. This trade mission brings together investors and entrepreneurs, strengthens business-to-business linkages and creates a platform for new commercial partnerships to flourish between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Such engagements are critical in unlocking investment opportunities, deepening economic integration and driving inclusive growth for the benefit of both nations,” he said.
Sofala Provincial Governor, Mr Lourenço Ferreira Bulha, described the seller mission as a strategic platform for deepening economic integration, strengthening trade diplomacy and advancing shared socio-economic development between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Mr Bulha said the initiative went beyond facilitating commercial transactions, serving as a catalyst for regional development and economic transformation.
“This event is much more than a business gathering. It is an important instrument for regional integration, economic resilience and the advancement of our collective development aspirations, including the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.
He highlighted Sofala Province’s vast investment potential, noting that the province offers a favourable environment for investors through its industrial free zones, special economic zones and science and technology parks.
“Sofala is a land of immense opportunities. With its industrial free zones, special economic zones and science and technology parks, the province provides an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. We therefore renew our invitation to the Zimbabwean business community to explore and invest in Sofala, and we reaffirm our commitment to facilitating that process,” said Mr Bulha.
He said the strong historical bonds and growing economic cooperation between Sofala Province and Zimbabwe provided a solid foundation for the successful implementation of business agreements and investment partnerships emerging from the trade mission.
“We are proud of the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between Sofala Province and Zimbabwe. These strong ties give us confidence that the agreements and partnerships forged through this business-to-business forum will translate into tangible projects and lasting economic benefits for both sides.”
Governor Bulha expressed optimism that the forum would create valuable opportunities for business networking, knowledge sharing and investment promotion.
“We believe this platform will enable businesspeople from Sofala and Zimbabwe to engage meaningfully, exchange ideas and identify mutually beneficial investment opportunities. As the Provincial Executive Council, we stand ready to provide every possible support to ensure the success of this initiative.”
He added that the provincial government remained committed to maintaining an investor-friendly environment through a range of incentives aimed at attracting capital and stimulating economic activity.
“To encourage investment, we continue to offer a number of incentives, including exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax on the importation of Class ‘K’ equipment, among other sector-specific benefits tailored to different investment areas. These measures underscore our determination to make Sofala a competitive and attractive destination for business and investment,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Mischeck Mugadza said bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique is on a steady increase, with exports increasing from US$11.1 million in 2024 to US$266.2 million in 2025.
“Zimbabwe’s imports from Mozambique grew from US$285.9 million in 2023 to US$401.2 million in 2024, and reached US$457.7 million in 2025 – a 60 percent increase in only two years. On the export side, Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique reached US$266.2 million in 2025, an increase of US$11.1 million on 2024 – a 4.4 per cent growth, indicating a steady improvement in bilateral trade.
“Manicaland sits at the very gateway of this relationship. The Mutare–Beira Corridor is the lifeline of our province’s commerce and of much of Zimbabwe’s trade with the world. Through the Port of Beira flow our exports of timber, fertilisers, processed foods and engineering goods – and through it, too, flow the fuel, cereals and vegetable oils that sustain our industries and our people. This is not an abstract statistic to the people of Manicaland: it is the road our trucks travel, the border our traders cross, and the market that sustains thousands of livelihoods in Mutare and beyond,” said Minister Mugadza.
He said the true measure of Zimbabwe and Mozambique friendship lies, not only in commemorating the two sister nations’ past, but in building the future together.
Minister Mugadza said the two sister nations should intensify economic diplomacy by creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
“This is precisely why I am leading a delegation of Zimbabwean companies on this mission—to explore new markets for Zimbabwean products, establish lasting business partnerships, and identify reliable sources of raw materials that will drive industrial growth, create jobs, and deliver shared prosperity for the people of both Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“Beira is, not only known for its beautiful coastline, but also as one of Southern Africa’s most important trade gateways. The Port of Beira is a strategic asset for the SADC region, providing the shortest maritime route for several landlocked countries, including Zimbabwe, and serving as a catalyst for regional trade and economic integration.
“For Zimbabwe, the Port of Beira is our closest and most important gateway to international markets. As the port’s largest hinterland user, Zimbabwe relies on Beira for the movement of key exports and essential imports that drive our economy,” he said.
ZimTrade operations director, Mr Similo Nkala, said the Beira Outward Seller Mission was a direct outcome of a market survey conducted two years ago, which revealed significant untapped opportunities for Zimbabwean products and services in Mozambique.
Mr Nkala said the inaugural engagement yielded encouraging results, prompting ZimTrade to scale up participation this year.
“As ZimTrade, we organised this Outward Seller Mission to connect Zimbabwean companies with potential buyers and partners in Mozambique. This year, 20 Zimbabwean companies are taking part, representing a diverse range of sectors, including agricultural inputs and implements, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), road construction equipment and irrigation technologies,” he said.
Mr Nkala said the trade mission was expected to deliver stronger commercial outcomes than last year, buoyed by the participation of more established companies with greater export capacity.
“Last year’s mission generated business deals worth approximately US$2 million. Given the calibre and experience of the companies participating this year, we are confident that the value of business generated will at least double,” he said.
He said the mission formed part of a broader strategy to increase Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique and strengthen economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“This outward seller mission is a follow-up to a comprehensive market survey undertaken about two years ago, which identified numerous opportunities for Zimbabwean businesses in Mozambique.
“Mozambique is Zimbabwe’s fourth-largest export market, with exports reaching US$266 million in 2025. Trade missions such as this are designed to help us build on that momentum and push for even greater export growth in the years ahead.”
To further facilitate trade, he revealed that ZimTrade was working on establishing a stronger commercial presence in Mozambique.
“We are in the process of setting up a warehouse facility in Beira and a retail outlet in Manica Province. These initiatives are aimed at improving the availability of Zimbabwean products in the Mozambican market, reducing distribution costs and enhancing the competitiveness of our exporters.”
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ZimTrade mission opens Beira opportunities
