KIGALI, Rwanda: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Prof. Charity Manyeruke, has pledged diplomatic support for efforts to secure African export markets for Zimbabwean rabbit products, as the country moves to transform its fast-growing rabbit industry into a significant source of jobs, foreign currency earnings and regional trade.
Speaking during a meeting with a Zimbabwean delegation currently in Rwanda for specialised rabbit artificial insemination training, Ambassador Manyeruke said Zimbabwe’s rabbit sector was well-positioned to benefit from growing demand across the continent.
“We will support Zimbabwe to explore export markets within Africa,” she said. “The rabbit sector in Zimbabwe has the potential to create jobs and generate foreign currency.”
The ambassador’s remarks come as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to commercialise rabbit production and develop export-oriented value chains capable of supplying regional markets.
Prof. Manyeruke highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, noting that the two countries have signed 33 Memoranda of Understanding since 2019, including agreements in agriculture that provide a framework for deeper cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The Zimbabwean delegation is led by Ms. Senzile Ndlovu, Acting Livestock Specialist in the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production, and is undergoing specialised training in rabbit artificial insemination at the Kigali Rabbit Centre.
The training is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to improve rabbit genetics, increase production efficiency and boost productivity—key factors in building a competitive industry capable of meeting both domestic and export demand.
Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry has experienced rapid growth over the past six years, evolving from largely backyard production to a commercially driven sector. The industry’s expansion has been fuelled by increasing consumer demand for rabbit meat, which is widely regarded as a healthy protein source due to its high protein content and low cholesterol levels.
Director of Livestock and Fisheries Production Mr. Milton Makumbe said the skills being acquired in Rwanda would support Zimbabwe’s broader ambitions to position rabbit production as a key livestock subsector with export potential.
He said knowledge gained through the programme would contribute to plans to establish a National Rabbit Training, Research and Development Centre, complete with a dedicated Artificial Insemination Unit, to drive innovation, productivity and industry growth.
The trainees are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired in Rwanda to farmers and industry stakeholders across Zimbabwe through training programmes, demonstrations and extension support services.
Other members of the delegation include Mr. Tatenda Warima of the Department of Veterinary Technical Services, Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) President Mr. Regis Nyamakanga, Raymeg Consultants Executive Director Mrs. Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, and trainees Farlen Marume and Melissa Nyamakanga.
The training is being conducted by Mr. Dieudonne Musoni, Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali Rabbit Centre, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen technical capacity and unlock new opportunities for Zimbabwe’s growing rabbit industry.
With diplomatic backing, growing technical expertise and an expanding production base, industry stakeholders believe Zimbabwe is increasingly well-positioned to compete in emerging African markets for rabbit meat and related products.
ENDS
