Story by Gay Matambo reporting
ZIMBABWEAN companies are seeking to expand export markets and forge long-term commercial partnerships through the ZimTrade-organised Zimbabwe Outward Trade Mission, which officially opened in Beira, Mozambique, this Tuesday.
Running from July 7 to 9, the trade mission has brought together a delegation of Zimbabwean businesses looking to secure export deals while strengthening trade and investment relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Participants said the initiative provides an important platform for expanding Zimbabwe’s private sector footprint in the region.
“There is an immediate demand for value-added commodities, specialised seeds, and industrial implements… This platform is not just about single purchasing orders; it is about finding Zimbabwean partners with whom we can establish long-term local distribution networks to support our country’s economic expansion,” a participant said.
Another delegate said the mission had created opportunities to access new markets.
“Coming to this region has been one of the greatest opportunities for us because there are proper, large-scale industries here that have expressed an active willingness to work with us. They need our timber products, especially the transmission poles.”
The opening day focused on showcasing trade and investment opportunities available in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
ZimTrade representative Similo Nkala said the mission is expected to diversify Zimbabwe’s exports by promoting value-added products.
“Zimbabwean companies can offer expertise and products such as seeds, chemicals, agricultural implements, as well as fertilisers. If we look at the current product of exports to Mozambique, it is mostly primary products; therefore, this mission will actually open doors for those companies that want to supply value-added products.”
Provincial Business Council President Recardo Cunheque said Sofala Province offers significant investment opportunities.
“Sofala province and the wider Mozambican economy are expanding rapidly… We invite Zimbabwean industries to form joint ventures with local firms and establish manufacturing plants here in Beira.”
The Beira Corridor remains a strategic gateway for Zimbabwe’s international trade by providing efficient access to global shipping routes and reducing transport costs.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, described the Mutare-Beira Corridor as central to Zimbabwe’s commerce.
“The Mutare–Beira Corridor is the lifeline of our province’s commerce and of much of Zimbabwe’s trade with the world.”
Mozambique’s Secretary of State for Sofala Province, Mr Manuel Rodrigues Alberto, said both governments are committed to strengthening economic cooperation.
“The two governments have been working deliberately to promote trade between our nations… The decisions of that Commission now require commercial momentum, and it is precisely that momentum which this mission is designed to generate.”
Sofala Provincial Governor Mr Lourenco Ferreira Bulha said the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries should translate into greater commercial cooperation.
“The excellent political and diplomatic relations between Mozambique and Zimbabwe must now be fully translated into tangible business partnerships. Our borders should not be barriers but rather bridges for mutual economic growth.”
The three-day programme includes buyer-seller engagements and business networking forums aimed at expanding Zimbabwe’s industrial presence in the regional market.
