UK, EU buyers arrive in Zimbabwe for trade talks

Eight buyers from the United Kingdom and European Union are in Zimbabwe this week to engage with 11 farm and food businesses that have prepared their horticultural products for export through the International Trade Centre.

The trade mission, organised by the UK Trade Partnerships Programme and funded by the UK government, aims to boost trade from developing countries to the UK and EU by leveraging Economic Partnership Agreements and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme. The initiative also provides trade promotion and capacity-building support across the agricultural value chain.

The programme offers Zimbabwean horticulture businesses a crucial opportunity to secure access to highly competitive UK and EU markets. It works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other local stakeholders to enhance global competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

In a statement ahead of the mission, the British embassy in Zimbabwe said increasing trade was a key way to deliver economic growth for both countries.

"By connecting Zimbabwean horticultural businesses with new UK and international markets, we are increasing trade and investment with the UK, creating jobs, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and strengthening climate and economic resilience. Such initiatives also support Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) for 2026–30," the embassy said.

Earlier in February, the UK funded eight Zimbabwean exporters to attend the Fruit Logistica Trade Show in Germany in collaboration with ZimTrade and the Horticultural Development Council. Exporters received guidance on product presentation and marketing to ensure their products — including peas, mangetout/snow peas, rock melons, Victoria pineapples, and chillies — were ready for global markets.

"If the mission is successful, the entrepreneurs could sign deals that send their products to one of the world's most competitive food markets," the embassy said.

The buyers will begin their mission with visits to farms around Harare before travelling to Mutorashanga, Mvurwi, Chegutu, Shurugwi, and Mutare.

Participating agribusinesses include Kacholo, Kuminda, Takura Farm, Avomac Farm, Forrester Estate, Navaco, Agrilikimo Farmers, Procitru Pvt Ltd, Edenchase Pvt Ltd, Surrey Group/Tanaka, and Dodhill.

This mission reflects a growing push to position Zimbabwe's horticultural sector as a competitive player in international markets while fostering job creation, foreign exchange generation, and sustainable agricultural development.