ZIMTRADE is today hosting a key international buyers’ seminar in Bulawayo, bringing together Zimbabwean exporters and foreign buyers in a business engagement aimed at securing export orders, expanding market access and forging long-term international partnerships.
The seminar is part of the 2026 Export Week, with two more engagements scheduled for Harare on November 4 and 6, as the country seeks to translate international demand into increased exports, production and foreign currency earnings.
The seminars will bring together 15 leading international buyers from the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Poland, Mozambique, Zambia, Rwanda, Angola and Eswatini to engage local companies and explore business opportunities.
The selection of participating countries was informed by international demand for Zimbabwean products, existing trade relationships and market intelligence, reflecting efforts to expand the country’s export footprint.
Regional markets present opportunities for Zimbabwean businesses to consolidate trade under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) frameworks.
Meanwhile, European and Asian markets offer opportunities to diversify export destinations and increase trade in higher-value products.
The targeted sectors include horticulture, processed foods, fast-moving consumer goods, leather and textiles, building materials, engineering products and other manufactured goods.
According to the programme, there will be presentations from ZimTrade CEO Mr Allan Mujuru, remarks by Mr Ebuka Okaja, Assistant Manager, Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion (Africa Buyers Programme), and a presentation by a Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe representative.
All international buyers will also make pitches.
The engagements come as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen its export capacity, diversify its sources of foreign currency and deepen its participation in regional and international value chains.
Interviews with participating buyers at the weekend revealed strong interest in establishing lasting business relationships with Zimbabwean companies, raising prospects for increased market access.
The buyers expressed eagerness to engage local exporters and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
The seminars are expected to provide a platform for local businesses to showcase their products, understand international market requirements and establish commercial links with potential buyers.
The engagements present an opportunity for Zimbabwean exporters to convert market interest into concrete business deals, while strengthening the country’s position as a supplier of competitive products to regional and global markets.-herald
