Mnangagwa to lead ZimTrade exporters' conference

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Bulawayo today to headline the Zimbabwe National Trade Development and Promotion Agency (ZimTrade) Annual Exporters' Conference and Awards, a marquee event on the country's corporate calendar.

The gathering comes against the backdrop of a significant surge in Zimbabwe's export earnings, driven by strong performances across key sectors and growing demand for local products in both traditional and emerging markets. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), exports rose to US$9,71 billion in 2025, a 30 percent increase from US$7,43 billion in 2024, surpassing the targeted growth of 10 percent.

ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru highlighted that the conference provides a platform for strategic collaboration between government and business to sustain and accelerate momentum in value-added exports. "Strategic alignment between government policy and business execution is critical. This conference is the definitive platform to forge that collaboration and set our national export agenda for the year," he said.

Running under the theme "Rooted Locally, Growing Globally," this year's edition will bring together top exporters, policymakers, and industry leaders. Participants will gain insights from an international line-up of speakers, including Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, founder and CEO of Ecopia (Ethiopia); Alex Musembi, co-founder and general manager of Africa Collect Textiles (Kenya); and Nicholas Mudungwe, executive director of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (Ethiopia). Their sessions are expected to provide actionable frameworks for integrating into global value chains, adopting sustainable trade practices, and leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence to boost exports.

The conference will also be attended by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu. The event will conclude with an awards gala recognising the top exporters, including the Intra-Africa Trade Award, introduced last year to encourage regional commerce. Majuru noted the importance of the award, pointing out that only 20 percent of Africa's trade occurs within the continent, highlighting the need to promote Zimbabwe's participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Cumulative export earnings for January to November 2025 reached US$8,57 billion, a 27 percent increase from US$6,74 billion in the same period in 2024. This growth contributed to a narrowing of the national trade deficit, which fell by 69 percent, from US$2,1 billion in 2024 to US$644 million in 2025. Services exports also recorded notable growth, reaching US$485,6 million, up 12 percent from US$434,1 million in 2024, reflecting expansion in tourism, transport, and professional services.

The United Arab Emirates remains Zimbabwe's top export destination, with exports rising by 71,6 percent to US$4,16 billion, largely driven by gold. South Africa remains a critical trading partner, accounting for 22,8 percent of total exports, underscoring the importance of regional trade within SADC and the AfCFTA.

As Zimbabwe prepares to assume the chairmanship of COMESA later this year, taking over from Kenya, further momentum is expected to strengthen regional trade influence and unlock new export opportunities. The event is poised to reaffirm Zimbabwe's commitment to building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive export-driven economy, supporting industrialisation, job creation, and macroeconomic stability.