Zimbabwe to increase horticultural export receipts

Story by Bruce Chahwanda

ZIMBABWEAN companies participating at the 2024 Fruit Logistica in Germany are exploring new horticultural markets and consolidating existing ones to increase export receipts.

In a bid to grow export receipts for the country, the country’s trade promotion body, ZimTrade, has taken 10 companies to Germany where they are interacting with new buyers and sellers.

The companies are showcasing blueberries, peas, strawberries, sweet potatoes, avocados and green chillies, among other products.

“In terms of total horticulture export, as a country we stood at US$130 million, which is in line with the Horticulture Recovery Growth Plan, which aims to increase horticulture exports to US$300 million by 2030. The other key issue at this Fruit Logistica is we are targeting all the countries and what I want to point out is that for Germany, our exports stood at about US$22 million in 2022 and rose to as much as US$ 57 million. In terms of contribution to that US$57 million is horticulture products that include your fruit and vegetables, which increased from US$7 million in 2020 to US$ 10 million,” said ZimTrade Director Operations, Mr Similo Nkala.

Zimbabwe’s top envoy to Germany, Ambassador Alice Mashingaidze has been impressed by the proactive move to grow the country’s export receipts.

“Zimbabwe is proving that indeed it is open for business, hence making a mark on the global stage in the production of horticultural products,” she said.

Zimbabwe’s horticultural products have a huge demand across the globe and local companies are making efforts to reach every market.

The 2024 Fruit Logistica has attracted 2 750 exhibitors from across the globe.