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Zimbabwe targets Comesa to boost exports
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Zimbabwe is set to leverage the 18th COMESA Business Forum & Exhibition in Nairobi from October 6 to 9, 2025, to integrate its key economic sectors into regional value chains, a move officials say is critical for the nation's export strategy. The forum coincides with the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit and carries the theme, "Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth."
ZimTrade, the country's trade promotion agency, is mobilising businesses across sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, digital technology, manufacturing, financial services, tourism, mining and energy, and textiles and leather products to exhibit and engage with regional and international partners.
"This event serves as a high-level platform for public-private dialogue, where leaders will discuss how digital innovation and strategic partnerships can drive regional growth," said Allan Majuru, ZimTrade CEO. "The forum's recommendations will feed directly into the COMESA Business Declaration presented to Heads of State, making this a defining moment for Zimbabwe to showcase its national strengths."
Zimbabwe's trade performance with the COMESA region between 2020 and 2024 underscores the bloc's significance as both a source of imports and a key export market. As a signatory of the COMESA Free Trade Area, Zimbabwe enjoys preferential access, including reduced tariffs, enhancing the competitiveness of its products.
In addition, Zimbabwe will participate in the COMESA-European Union Horticulture Connect event from October 6 to 8, providing local businesses with opportunities to engage directly with European buyers and investors from countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy, which collectively account for 75% of EU-COMESA horticultural trade.
ZimTrade highlighted the central role of digital transformation in discussions at the forum, focusing on innovations such as blockchain, precision farming, and e-commerce. "By embracing these technologies, Zimbabwean companies can enhance supply chain transparency, meet international standards, and boost export competitiveness," the agency said.
The exhibition is expected to offer a dynamic platform for Zimbabwean enterprises to forge new partnerships, secure export deals, and expand their role in both regional and global trade.
ZimTrade, the country's trade promotion agency, is mobilising businesses across sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, digital technology, manufacturing, financial services, tourism, mining and energy, and textiles and leather products to exhibit and engage with regional and international partners.
"This event serves as a high-level platform for public-private dialogue, where leaders will discuss how digital innovation and strategic partnerships can drive regional growth," said Allan Majuru, ZimTrade CEO. "The forum's recommendations will feed directly into the COMESA Business Declaration presented to Heads of State, making this a defining moment for Zimbabwe to showcase its national strengths."
Zimbabwe's trade performance with the COMESA region between 2020 and 2024 underscores the bloc's significance as both a source of imports and a key export market. As a signatory of the COMESA Free Trade Area, Zimbabwe enjoys preferential access, including reduced tariffs, enhancing the competitiveness of its products.
In addition, Zimbabwe will participate in the COMESA-European Union Horticulture Connect event from October 6 to 8, providing local businesses with opportunities to engage directly with European buyers and investors from countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy, which collectively account for 75% of EU-COMESA horticultural trade.
ZimTrade highlighted the central role of digital transformation in discussions at the forum, focusing on innovations such as blockchain, precision farming, and e-commerce. "By embracing these technologies, Zimbabwean companies can enhance supply chain transparency, meet international standards, and boost export competitiveness," the agency said.
The exhibition is expected to offer a dynamic platform for Zimbabwean enterprises to forge new partnerships, secure export deals, and expand their role in both regional and global trade.
Source - newsday
