ZimTrade to Champion Export-Led Industrialisation at ZITF 2025  

 By Wallace Mawire

Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade is set to make a significant impact at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), as the organisation takes a leading role in advancing conversations around industrialisation, trade integration, and inclusive economic growth. Operating under the theme “Igniting Local Industries for Global Integration,” ZimTrade will be exhibiting at Hall 4, Stand 4F14, where it will showcase the work being done to transform Zimbabwe’s productive sectors into globally competitive export engines.

This year’s ZITF, running under the national theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape,” presents a timely opportunity for stakeholders across public and private sectors to align efforts toward sustainable industrial growth. For ZimTrade, the platform will not only demonstrate the power of exports in driving economic transformation but also highlight the agency’s multifaceted approach to building a modern, diversified, and inclusive export base.

Over the course of the trade fair, ZimTrade’s exhibition stand will feature a wide range of Zimbabwean products and services from export-ready companies supported through its technical assistance, training programmes, and market development interventions. The exhibit will offer a practical demonstration of the export potential that lies within Zimbabwe’s agro-processing, horticulture, textile, leather, and manufacturing sectors that have shown consistent growth in regional and international markets when strategically supported.

“Our presence at ZITF 2025 is about showcasing more than products; it’s about demonstrating impact,” said Mr. Allan Majuru, Chief Executive Officer at ZimTrade. “Through innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment in export development, we are seeing tangible progress in how Zimbabwean businesses position themselves globally. This trade fair is an opportunity to bring together all players in the value chain and collectively chart a path toward a more competitive and inclusive economy.”

One of the key messages ZimTrade is amplifying at this year’s fair is the critical link between local industrialisation and export competitiveness. Through ongoing initiatives such as the Best Model Farm Programme, Market Intelligence Services, and Export Capacity Development, ZimTrade continues to provide technical guidance and market insights to ensure Zimbabwean products meet international standards and market preferences. These initiatives are not only helping companies access new markets but also enhancing the quality and value of goods produced locally.

ZimTrade’s role in championing inclusive trade development will also be in the spotlight. With dedicated platforms such as the Next She Exporter initiative and the Eagle’s Nest Youth Export Incubator, the organisation is working to unlock opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs to meaningfully participate in export markets. These programmes, designed to bridge the gap between local innovation and global trade, have empowered hundreds of emerging exporters to develop export-ready brands and build sustainable businesses.

“Industrialisation must be inclusive if it is to be sustainable,” noted Mr. Similo Nkala , Director of Operations at ZimTrade. “By actively supporting women, youth, and rural communities through tailored interventions, we are ensuring that the benefits of trade and industrial growth reach all corners of the country. ZITF gives us the chance to celebrate those stories and create new linkages for the future.

Among the highlights at ZimTrade’s stand will be interactive demonstrations, case studies from successful exporters, and information on upcoming trade missions, including engagements in Southern Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Exporters and visitors will have access to real-time advice on export readiness, trade documentation, certification requirements, and international market access strategies.

ZimTrade’s presence at ZITF also reflects its expanding network of strategic international partnerships. Collaborations with development agencies such as Expertise France, PUM Netherlands, and regional trade promotion organizations continue to strengthen Zimbabwe’s trade integration and boost the visibility of local products in global value chains. Through these partnerships, ZimTrade has spearheaded initiatives like the Zim-Bee Honey Project, which is not only unlocking the export potential of rural producers but also contributing to sustainable environmental practices.

The organisation’s strategic thrust toward regional and global integration aligns with Zimbabwe’s commitments under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By assisting local businesses in complying with international quality standards and facilitating trade linkages, ZimTrade is laying the groundwork for Zimbabwean exporters to expand their footprint across borders.

“This year’s ZITF is particularly significant as it speaks directly to the work we do crafting an export-led economy that thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and integration,” said Jacqueline Nyathi, Manager at ZimTrade’s southern regional office. “We are inviting all stakeholders to visit our stand, engage with our team, and explore how ZimTrade can support their journey to international markets.”

ZITF 2025 provides a unique platform for dialogue, discovery, and business development. ZimTrade encourages all exhibitors, government partners, investors, and members of the public to visit Hall 4, Stand 4F14, to learn more about how local industries are being ignited for global integration, and how trade can be a vehicle for long-term prosperity.

Every engagement at ZimTrade’s stand will tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the untapped potential of Zimbabwe’s export sector. From rural entrepreneurs to emerging manufacturers, the stand will reflect the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s economic future one built on the strength of its people and the global competitiveness of its industries.