Story by Gay Matambo
FARMERS in Manicaland Province are securing direct export deals with Chinese buyers, as local producers engage distributors ahead of China’s zero-tariff policy set to take effect next month.
The high-level horticulture forum, organised by ZimTrade, has brought together Zimbabwean farmers and some of China’s largest fruit and nut distributors to strengthen market access and supply chain linkages.
The engagement is designed to leverage the Green Channel for African horticultural exports while positioning local producers to benefit from the imminent policy shift.
Chinese buyers said the forum provides an opportunity to establish reliable supply chains directly from source.
“Being here in Manicaland allows us to see the entire journey of the fruit, from the orchards to the pack house. We are not just looking for suppliers, we are looking for partners who can guarantee a consistent blueberries and avocados supply chain,” one buyer said.
Another buyer added: “By meeting the farmers directly in Mutare, we can finalise supply arrangements now so that when the tariffs drop, our logistics are already moving. It allows us to secure a stable, year-round supply of premium citrus and nuts.”
Local farmers welcomed the initiative, citing the benefits of bypassing intermediaries.
“The middleman is the greatest challenge to a farmer’s growth. In the past, we sold to agents who took a huge cut, and we never knew where our produce ended up. This engagement is a bridge. By signing deals directly with these Chinese distributors, we keep 100 percent of the export value on the farm,” a farmer said.
China is set to implement a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, a move expected to significantly reshape trade flows between the regions.
Chinese Embassy Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs Mr Huang Minghai said early engagement by buyers signals strong market confidence.
“With China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, taking effect on May 1, 2026, we are pleased to see Chinese buyers already visiting local farms in Zimbabwe to source premium produce,” he said.
Zimtrade Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Majuru described the forum as a critical platform to unlock export opportunities.
“Our role now is to sensitise our local farmers and even the Chinese buyers to take advantage of the protocols. We also need farmers to have an appreciation of the markets we have in China and hence the purpose of this engagement,” he said.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the province is well positioned to anchor national horticulture growth.
“With increased investment in value chains, the province is well placed to drive national growth in horticultural production and exports. Through enhanced investments in irrigation, agro processing cold chain system, logistics and market linkages, this province can become a hub of excellence in horticulture,” he said.
The initiative aligns with Government’s Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which targets a US$1 billion industry by 2030, with Manicaland already leading in macadamia nuts, avocados and tea production, while expanding into blueberries, pecan nuts and chillies for export markets.
