Bulawayo, (New Ziana) -Zimbabwe expects to earn US$9.1 billion form exports this year, surpassing its national target of US$8.1 billion, spurred by a recent surge in demand for local products, an official has said.
Speaking at the Buyers Seminar in Bulawayo, ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said the increase was driven by a robust 23 percent growth in exports as from August this year.
The seminar brought together local exporters and international buyers from countries across Africa, Europe and the Middle East who were in the country for the Export Week 2025, which was held under the theme, “Rooted Locally and Growing Globally”.
“Our ability to meet export demand is not aspirational. It is real, tested, and demonstrable. This platform is not about just talking, it is about doing business, creating partnerships, and showing that Zimbabwe can deliver,” said Majuru.
“Zimbabwe’s validated exports grew by 18 percent this year, bringing total exports to approximately US$5.6 billion by August. At this pace, ZimTrade projects the figure will hit US$9.1 billion by year-end, significantly above the national target of US$8.1 billion. This growth shows we are on the right track,” he added, citing sectors such as horticulture, leather, furniture, and engineering as strong performers.
“It’s not only about numbers, it’s about quality, reliability, and scale,” he said.
Majuru said last year the session generated over US$6.5 million in closed deals, with an additional US$7 million under negotiation.
“Those partnerships are already bearing fruit. We have got buyers from Angola now working with local engineering companies on steel frames and exporting living furniture. Namibian buyers are sourcing crocodile skins, and our agricultural produce is gaining traction,” he said.
The seminar, a flagship event in Zimbabwe’s export promotion calendar, seeks to link local producers with international markets and investors.
This year, buyers from Zambia, South Africa, Egypt, Angola, Mozambique, Rwanda, France, and Senegal were in attendance, highlighting the growing regional and international interest in local goods, and Majuru implored Zimbabwean exporters to use the event as a springboard for market diversification and global competitiveness.
“Let us embrace collaboration, adaptability, and boldness as we pursue growth. Together, we can go further. This year’s theme speaks to our ambition to sell our heritage as a country. You are not just our buyers, you are now our brand ambassadors,” he said.
Majuru highlighted Zimbabwe’s position as Africa’s fastest-growing exporter of blueberries, urging visitors to sample the local produce before drawing international comparisons.
He also highlighted the nation’s strong tourism performance, citing its recent ranking as Forbes’ top travel destination for 2025.
Majuru also acknowledged the support of regional institutions like Afreximbank and Stanbic Bank, both of whom are key partners in trade financing and development.
He also implored local exporters to use the platform to build relationships that last beyond the seminar.
“This is the time to showcase, connect, and seal deals. Zimbabwe is open for business not just in words, but in action. Let’s build relationships that last beyond this seminar,” he said.
New Ziana
