Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE has strengthened its trade visibility in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after attracting significant business interest and new enquiries at the DRC Mining Week exhibition, which concluded in Lubumbashi on Friday.
The three-day event, one of Central Africa’s premier mining exhibitions, brought together more than 400 delegates, including government officials, investors, mining executives and exhibitors from across the region to explore trade, investment and economic cooperation opportunities.
Trade promotion agency ZimTrade says the strong interest shown in Zimbabwean products underscores the competitiveness of local industry and is expected to translate into tangible business opportunities.
“Our companies managed to have fruitful engagements with mining companies, buyers and strategic partners to increase their visibility and to come up with valuable business opportunities which will strengthen collaboration between Zimbabwe and DRC. The strong interest in Zimbabwean products has actually shown us that there is competitiveness within our industry and as we come to the end of the event, we go home satisfied because we believe that the trade opportunities we have managed to tap into will translate into tangible business deals,” said ZimTrade Market Analyst, Ms Lorraine Muzadzi.
Zimbabwe has participated in the forum for the past eight years, with export values generated through the platform recording significant growth during that period.
Stakeholders say the exhibition continues to provide a strategic gateway for companies seeking to expand their footprint in regional markets.
Business consultant Mr David Mayombo highlighted the importance of the platform in connecting businesses with key industry players.
“This platform is very important. One needs to understand the DRC market, being a market that is developing in different sectors, and that there is only one place that you can meet so many industry leaders from across banking, mining, construction and so forth. So it is a good platform to network with peers.”
Participating companies also reported encouraging outcomes, citing growing interest in Zimbabwean products and prospects for strategic partnerships.
“It has been a very fruitful event for us. We managed to get huge enquiries towards our products, which means there is immense potential for strategic partnerships within the agricultural sector,” said Mealie Brand Senior Marketing Officer, Mr Tatenda Mutonhodza.
According to Zimbabwe trade statistics, trade between Zimbabwe and the DRC increased by nearly 400 percent, rising from US$26 million in 2019 to US$132 million in 2023.
The growth has been attributed to expanding export opportunities and trade promotion initiatives aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s presence in regional markets.
DRC mining week opens doors to regional markets for Zimbabwean exporters
Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE has strengthened its trade visibility in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after attracting significant business interest and new enquiries at the DRC Mining Week exhibition, which concluded in Lubumbashi on Friday.
The three-day event, one of Central Africa’s premier mining exhibitions, brought together more than 400 delegates, including government officials, investors, mining executives and exhibitors from across the region to explore trade, investment and economic cooperation opportunities.
Trade promotion agency ZimTrade says the strong interest shown in Zimbabwean products underscores the competitiveness of local industry and is expected to translate into tangible business opportunities.
“Our companies managed to have fruitful engagements with mining companies, buyers and strategic partners to increase their visibility and to come up with valuable business opportunities which will strengthen collaboration between Zimbabwe and DRC. The strong interest in Zimbabwean products has actually shown us that there is competitiveness within our industry and as we come to the end of the event, we go home satisfied because we believe that the trade opportunities we have managed to tap into will translate into tangible business deals,” said ZimTrade Market Analyst, Ms Lorraine Muzadzi.
Zimbabwe has participated in the forum for the past eight years, with export values generated through the platform recording significant growth during that period.
Stakeholders say the exhibition continues to provide a strategic gateway for companies seeking to expand their footprint in regional markets.
Business consultant Mr David Mayombo highlighted the importance of the platform in connecting businesses with key industry players.
“This platform is very important. One needs to understand the DRC market, being a market that is developing in different sectors, and that there is only one place that you can meet so many industry leaders from across banking, mining, construction and so forth. So it is a good platform to network with peers.”
Participating companies also reported encouraging outcomes, citing growing interest in Zimbabwean products and prospects for strategic partnerships.
“It has been a very fruitful event for us. We managed to get huge enquiries towards our products, which means there is immense potential for strategic partnerships within the agricultural sector,” said Mealie Brand Senior Marketing Officer, Mr Tatenda Mutonhodza.
According to Zimbabwe trade statistics, trade between Zimbabwe and the DRC increased by nearly 400 percent, rising from US$26 million in 2019 to US$132 million in 2023.
The growth has been attributed to expanding export opportunities and trade promotion initiatives aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s presence in regional markets.
