By Aldridge Dzvene | Positive Eye News
Zimbabwe’s regional trade aspirations under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) industrialisation agenda are taking solid shape, with local companies making strategic inroads into Zambia’s growing market. The country’s presence at the upcoming Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show later this month underscores not only Zimbabwe’s export readiness but also its deepening integration into regional value chains.
According to ZimTrade Export Promotion Manager Mrs Vuyiswa Mafu, more than 25 Zimbabwean companies have confirmed participation in the prestigious exhibition, marking one of the strongest representations by Zimbabwe in recent years. “This is a true reflection of local firms’ commitment to bolstering ties with Zambia,” she said, adding that expectations are high for the event to open fresh opportunities for expanded trade and commercial partnerships.
The surge in local participation is no coincidence. Zimbabwe has been actively aligning its industrial strategy with regional frameworks such as the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063) and the COMESA protocols, both of which promote intra-regional trade, industrial value chains, and market integration. As a land-linked economy, Zimbabwe’s strategic positioning has become a vital bridge in cross-border commerce,especially with Zambia, its long-standing ally and northern neighbour.
“Zambia has what it takes to provide opportunities for growth. It is a market where we feel Zimbabwe can benefit, given the continuous increase in demand for locally produced goods,” Mafu noted. From processed foods and agricultural implements to construction materials and packaging solutions, Zimbabwean products are finding competitive niches in Zambian cities and towns.
This export momentum is particularly timely. Amid global economic pressures and the need for foreign currency earnings, regional trade presents a sustainable avenue for Zimbabwe’s economic growth. The proximity of markets like Zambia reduces logistical costs and barriers, allowing even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in export activities.
The participation at the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show comes as part of a broader strategy by ZimTrade to support local companies in exploring non-traditional markets and scaling operations beyond borders. The move is also consistent with Zimbabwe’s National Export Strategy and Vision 2030, which emphasise export diversification and private sector-led industrial growth.
Notably, companies from key sectors such as agriculture, value-added food processing, construction, and packaging are expected to headline Zimbabwe’s exhibit. These sectors are not only aligned with Zambia’s current infrastructure and agro-industrial demands but also showcase Zimbabwe’s technical know-how and manufacturing resilience.
The strengthening trade ties are further reinforced by historical diplomatic relations, shared infrastructural corridors such as the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, and regional cooperation platforms. These elements contribute to a conducive environment for Zimbabwean exporters looking to tap into Zambia’s expanding consumer base and industrial needs.
As Zimbabwe leverages platforms like the Zambia Expo, it becomes increasingly clear that regional markets are not just fallback options, they are strategic frontiers of growth. With deliberate policy support, productive capacity enhancement, and regional diplomacy, Zimbabwean companies are carving out a larger share in Africa’s trade future, one expo at a time.
